DENR Administrative Order

No. 2001 - 34
December 20, 2001

SUBJECT : Implementing Rules and

Regulations of Republic Act 9003.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 59 of Republic Act No. 9003,

otherwise known as the “Philippine Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of 2000,” and by virtue of Executive Order No.
192, Series of 1987, the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources hereby adopts and promulgates the following rules and
regulations

PART I GENERAL PROVISIONS

RULE I. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

Section 1. Title

Theses Rules shall be known and cited as the “Implementing Rules

and Regulations of the Philippine Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of 2000.”

Section 2. Purpose

These Rules are promulgated to prescribe the procedures and

guidelines for the implementation of the Philippine Solid Waste
Management Act of 9003 in order to facilitate compliance
therewith and achieve the objectives thereof.

Section 3. Scope

These Rules shall lay down the powers and functions of the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the
Department of Trade and Industry, all other concerned agencies
and local government units, the rights and obligations of

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stakeholders and the rights and duties of the people with respect to
the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management.

Section 4. Construction

These Implementing Rules and Regulations shall be liberally

construed to carry out the national policy of adopting a systematic,
comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program
consistent with the pursuit of sustainable development. The Rules
also cover support actions such as research and studies on solid
wastes, providing technical standards and guidelines for effective
waste management systems.

Section 5. Administrative and Enforcement

These Rules and Regulations shall be administered by the

Secretary or his duly authorized representative or through any
other department, bureau, office, agency, local government units,
state university or college and other instrumentalities of the
government for assistance in the form of personnel, facilities and
other resources as the need arises in the discharge of its functions.

RULE II. DECLARATION OF STATE POLICY

Section 1. Declaration of Policies

It is the policy of the State to adopt a systematic, comprehensive

and ecological solid waste management program which shall:

a) Ensure the protection of public health and environment;

b) Utilize environmentally-sound methods that maximize the

utilization of valuable resources and encourage resources
conservation and recovery;

c) Set guidelines and targets for solid waste avoidance and

volume reduction through source reduction and waste

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 minimization measures, including composting, recycling,
re-use, recovery, green charcoal process, and others, before
collection, treatment and disposal in appropriate and
environmentally-sound solid waste management facilities
in accordance with ecologically sustainable development
principles;

d) Ensure the proper segregation, collection, transport,

storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste through the
formulation and adoption of the best environmental
practices in ecological waste management excluding
incineration;

e) Promote national research and development programs for

improved solid waste management and resource
conservation techniques, more effective institutional
arrangement and indigenous and improved methods of
waste reduction, collection, separation and recovery;

f) Encourage greater private sector participation in solid

waste management;

g) Retain primary enforcement and responsibility of solid

waste management with local government units while
establishing a cooperative effort among the national
government, other local government units, non-government
organizations, and the private sector;

h) Encourage cooperation and self-regulation among waste

generators through the application of market-based
instruments;

i) Institutionalize public participation in the development and

implementation of national and local integrated,
comprehensive and ecological waste management
programs; and

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 j) Strengthen the integration of ecological solid waste
management and resource conservation and recovery topics
into the academic curricula of formal and non-formal
education in order to promote environmental awareness and
action among the citizenry.

RULE III. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Section 1. Definitions

For the purpose of these Implementing Rules and Regulations, the

following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:

“Agricultural waste” shall refer to waste generated from planting

or harvesting of crops, trimming or pruning of plants and wastes or
run-off materials from farms or fields.

“Bulky wastes” shall refer to waste materials which cannot be

appropriately placed in separate containers because of either its
bulky size, shape or other physical attributes. These include large
worn-out or broken household, commercial, and industrial items
such as furniture, lamps, bookcases, filing cabinets, and other
similar items.

“Bureau” shall refer to the Environmental Management Bureau.

“Buy-back center” shall refer to a recycling center that purchases

or otherwise accepts recyclable materials from the public for the
purpose of recycling such materials.

“Collection” shall refer to the act of removing solid waste from

the source or from a communal storage point.

“Composting” shall refer to the controlled decomposition of

organic matter by micro-organisms, mainly bacteria and fungi, into
a humus-like product.

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“Consumer electronics” shall refer to special wastes that include
worn-out, broken, and other discarded items such as radios,
stereos, and TV sets.

“Controlled dump” shall refer to a disposal site at which solid

waste is deposited in accordance with the minimum prescribed
standards of site operation.

“Department” shall refer to the Department of Environment and

Natural Resources.

“Disposal” shall refer to the discharge, deposit, dumping, spilling,

leaking or placing of any solid waste into or in any land.

“Disposal site” shall refer to a site where solid waste is finally

discharged and deposited.

“Ecological solid waste management” shall refer to the systematic

administration of activities which provide for segregation at
source, segregated transportation, storage, transfer, processing,
treatment, and disposal of solid waste and all other waste
management activities which do not harm the environment.

“Environmentally acceptable” shall refer to the quality of being

re-usable, biodegradable or compostable, recyclable and not toxic
or hazardous to the environment.

“Environmentally preferable” shall refer to products or services

that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the
environment when compared with competing products or services
that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw
materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging,
distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance or disposal of the
product or service.

“Generation” shall refer to the act or process of producing solid

waste.

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“Generator” shall refer to a person, natural or juridical, who last
uses a material and makes it available for disposal or recycling.

“Hazardous waste” shall refer to solid waste or combination of

solid waste which because of its quantity, concentration, or
physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may: cause, or
significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in
serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible, illness; or pose a
substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the
environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or
disposed of, or otherwise managed.

“Leachate” shall refer to the liquid produced when waste undergo

decomposition, and when water percolate through solid waste
undergoing decomposition. It is a contaminated liquid that
contains dissolved and suspended materials.

“Life cycle assessment” shall refer to the compilation and

evaluation of the inputs, outputs and the potential environmental
impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle.

“Materials recovery facility” shall include solid waste transfer

station or sorting station, drop-off center, a composting facility,
and a recycling facility.

“Municipal wastes” shall refer to wastes produced from activities

within local government units which include a combination of
domestic, commercial, institutional and industrial wastes and street
litters.

“Non-environmentally acceptable products or packaging” shall

refer to products or packaging that are unsafe in production, use,
post-consumer use, or that produce or release harmful products.

“Open burning” shall refer to the thermal destruction of wastes by

means of direct exposure to fire. Furthermore, this definition shall
apply to traditional small-scale methods of community sanitation
“siga”.
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“Open dump” shall refer to a disposal area wherein the solid
wastes are indiscriminately thrown or disposed of without due
planning and consideration for environmental and health standards.

“Opportunity to recycle” shall refer to the act of providing a place

for collecting source-separated recyclable material, located either
at a disposal site or at another location more convenient to the
population being served, and collection at least once a month of
source-separated recyclable material from collection service
customers and to providing a public education and promotion
program that gives notice to each person of the opportunity to
recycle and encourage source separation of recyclable material.

“Person(s)” shall refer to any being, natural or juridical,

susceptible of rights and obligations, or of being the subject of
legal relations.

“Post-consumer material” shall refer only to those materials or

products generated by a business or consumer which have served
their intended end use, and which have been separated or diverted
from solid waste for the purpose of being collected, processed and
used as a raw material in the manufacturing of recycled product,
excluding materials and by-products generated from, and
commonly used within an original manufacturing process, such as
mill scrap.

“Receptacles” shall refer to individual containers used for the

source separation and the collection of recyclable materials.

“Recovered material” shall refer to material and by-products that

have been recovered or diverted from solid waste for the purpose
of being collected, processed and used as a raw material in the
manufacture of a recycled product.

“Recyclable material” shall refer to any waste material retrieved

from the waste stream and free from contamination that can still be
converted into suitable beneficial use or for other purposes,
including, but not limited to, newspaper, ferrous scrap metal, non-
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ferrous scrap metal, used oil, corrugated cardboard, aluminum,
glass, office paper, tin cans, plastics and other materials as may be
determined by the Commission.

“Recycled material” shall refer to post-consumer material that has

been recycled and returned to the economy.

“Recycling” shall refer to the treating of used or waste materials

through a process of making them suitable for beneficial use and
for other purposes, and includes any process by which solid waste
materials are transformed into new products in such a manner that
the original products may lose their identity, and which may be
used as raw materials for the production of other goods or services:
Provided, that the collection, segregation and re-use of previously
used packaging material shall be deemed recycling under the Act.

“Resource conservation” shall refer to the reduction of the amount

of solid waste that are generated or the reduction of overall
resource consumption, and utilization of recovered resources.

“Resource recovery” shall refer to the collection, extraction or

recovery of recyclable materials from the waste stream for the
purpose of recycling, generating energy or producing a product
suitable for beneficial use: Provided, That, such resource recovery
facilities exclude incineration.

“Re-use” shall refer to the process of recovering materials

intended for the same or different purpose without the alteration of
physical and chemical characteristics.

“Sanitary landfill” shall refer to a waste disposal site designed,

constructed, operated and maintained in a manner that exerts
engineering control over significant potential environmental
impacts arising from the development and operation of the facility.
“Schedule of Compliance” shall refer to an enforceable sequence
of actions or operations to be accomplished within a stipulated
time frame leading to compliance with a limitation, prohibition, or

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standard set forth in the Act or any rule or regulation issued
pursuant thereto.

“Secretary” shall refer to the Secretary of the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources.

“Segregation” shall refer to sorting and segregation of different

materials found in solid waste in order to promote recycling and
re-use of resources and to reduce the volume of waste for
collection and disposal.

“Segregation at source” shall refer to a solid waste management

practice of separating, at the point of origin, different materials
found in solid waste in order to promote recycling and re-use of
resources and to reduce the volume of waste for collection and
disposal.

“Solid waste” shall refer to all discarded household, commercial

waste, non-hazardous institutional, ports / harbour and industrial
waste, street sweepings, construction debris, agriculture waste, and
other non-hazardous/non-toxic solid waste. Unless specifically
noted otherwise, the term “solid waste” as used in the Act shall not
include:

a) waste identified or listed as hazardous waste of a solid,

liquid, contained gaseous or semisolid form which may
cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or in serious
or incapacitating reversible illness, or acute/chronic effect
on the health of persons and other organisms;

b) infectious waste from hospitals such as equipment,

instruments, utensils, and fomites of a disposable nature
from patients who are suspected to have or have been
diagnosed as having communicable diseases and must
therefore be isolated as required by public health agencies,
laboratory wastes such as pathological specimens (i.e., all
tissues, specimens of blood elements, excreta, and
secretions obtained from patients or laboratory animals),
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 and disposable fomites that may harbor or transmit
pathogenic organisms, and surgical operating room
pathologic specimens and disposable fomites attendant
thereto, and similar disposable materials from outpatient
areas and emergency rooms; and

c) waste resulting from mining activities, including

contaminated soil and debris.

“Solid waste management” shall refer to the discipline associated

with the control of generation, storage, collection, transfer and
transport, processing, and disposal of solid wastes in a manner that
is in accord with the best principles of public health, economics,
engineering, conservation, aesthetics, and other environmental
considerations, and that is also responsive to public attitudes.

“Solid waste management facility” shall refer to any resource

recovery system or component thereof; any system, program, or
facility for resource conservation; any facility for the collection,
source separation, storage, transportation, transfer, processing,
treatment, or disposal of solid waste.

“Source reduction” shall refer to the reduction of solid waste

before it enters the solid waste stream by methods such as product
design, materials substitution, materials re-use and packaging
restrictions.

“Source separation” shall refer to the sorting of solid waste into

some or all of its component parts at the point of generation.

“Special wastes” shall refer to household hazardous wastes such

as paints, thinners, household batteries, lead-acid batteries, spray
canisters and the like. These include wastes from residential and
commercial sources that comprise of bulky wastes, consumer
electronics, white goods, yard wastes that are collected separately,
batteries, oil, and tires. These wastes are usually handled
separately from other residential and commercial wastes.

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“Storage” shall refer to the interim containment of solid waste
after generation and prior to collection for ultimate recovery or
disposal.

“Transfer stations” shall refer to those facilities utilized to receive

solid wastes, temporarily store, separate, convert, or otherwise
process the materials in the solid wastes, or to transfer the solid
wastes directly from smaller to larger vehicles for transport. This
term does not include any of the following:

a) a facility whose principal function is to receive, store,

separate, convert, or otherwise process in accordance with
national minimum standards;

b) a facility, whose principal function is to receive, store,

convert, or otherwise process wastes which have already
been separated for re-use and are not intended for disposal;
and

c) the operations premises of a duly licensed solid waste

handling operator who receives, stores, transfers, or
otherwise processes wastes as an activity incidental to the
conduct of a refuse collection and disposal business.

“Waste diversion” shall refer to activities which reduce or

eliminate the amount of solid wastes from waste disposal facilities.

“White goods” shall refer to large worn-out or broken household,

commercial, and industrial appliances such as stoves, refrigerators,
dishwaters, and clothes washers and dryers collected separately.
White goods are usually dismantled for the recovery of specific
materials (e.g., copper, aluminum, etc.).

“Yard waste” shall refer to wood, small or chipped branches,

leaves, grass clippings, garden debris, vegetables residue that is
recognizable as part of a plant or vegetable and other materials
identified by the Commission.

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 PART II INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES AND
MECHANISMS
RULE IV. OVERSIGHT ARRANGEMENTS
Section 1. Powers and Functions of the National Solid
Waste Management Commission

A National Solid Waste Management Commission, hereinafter

referred to as the Commission, and under the Office of the
President, is hereby established. The Commission is tasked to
oversee the implementation of solid waste management plans and
prescribe policies to achieve the objectives of the Act. The
Commission shall undertake the following activities:

a) Prepare the National Solid Waste Management Framework;

b) Approve local solid waste management plans in accordance

with its rules and regulations:

c) Review and monitor the implementation of local solid

waste management plans;

d) Coordinate the operation of local solid waste management

boards in the provincial and city/municipal levels;

e) To the maximum extent feasible, utilizing existing

resources, assist provincial, city and municipal solid waste
management boards the preparation, modification, and
implementation of waste management plans;

f) Develop a model provincial, city and municipal solid waste

management plan that will establish prototypes of the
content and format which provinces, cities and
municipalities may use in meeting the requirements of the
National Solid Waste Management Framework;

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g) Adopt a program to provide technical and other capability
building assistance and support to local government units in
the development and implementation of source reduction
programs;

h) Develop and implement a program to assist local

government units in the identification of markets for
materials that are diverted from disposal facilities through
re-use, recycling, and composting and other environment-
friendly methods;

i) Develop a mechanism for the imposition of sanctions for

the violation of environmental rules and regulations;

j) Manage the Solid Waste Management Fund;

k) Develop and prescribe procedures for the issuance of

appropriate permits and clearances;

l) Review the incentives scheme for effective solid waste

management, for purposes of ensuring relevance and
efficiency in achieving the objectives of the Act;

m) Formulate the necessary education promotion and

information campaign strategies;

n) Establish, after notice and hearing of the parties concerned,

standards, criteria, guidelines and formula that are fair,
equitable and reasonable in establishing tipping charges
and rates that the proponent will charge in the operation
and management of solid waste management facilities and
technologies;

o) Develop safety nets and alternative livelihood programs for

small recyclers and other sectors that will be affected as a
result of the construction and/or operation of a solid waste
management recycling plant or facility;

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 p) Formulate and update a list of non-environmentally
acceptable materials in accordance with the provisions of
the Act. For this purpose, it shall be necessary that proper
consultation be conducted by the Commission with all
concerned industries to ensure a list that is based on
technological and economic viability;

q) Encourage private sector initiatives, community

participation and investments resource recovery-based
livelihood programs for local communities;

r) Encourage all local government agencies and all local

government units to patronize products manufactured using
recycled and recyclable materials;

s) Propose and adopt regulations requiring the source

separation and post separation collection, segregated
collection, processing, marketing and sale of organic and
designated recyclable material generated in each local
government unit; and

t) Study and review the following:

1. Standards, criteria and guidelines for the promulgation

and implementation of an integrated national solid
waste management framework; and
2. Criteria and guidelines for siting, design, operation and
maintenance of solid waste management facilities.

Section 2. Composition and Membership of the

Commission

The Commission shall be composed of fourteen (14) members

from the government sector and three (3) members from the
private sector. The heads of the following agencies, in their ex-
officio capacity, shall represent the government sector:

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 a. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR);
b. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG);
c. Department of Science and Technology (DOST);
d. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH);
e. Department of Health (DOH);
f. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI);
g. Department of Agriculture (DA);
h. Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA);
i. League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP);
j. League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP);
k. League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP);
l. Liga ng Mga Barangay;
m. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA); and
n. Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

The private sectors are to be represented by the following:

a. A representative from non-government organizations

(NGOs) whose principal purpose is to promote recycling
and the protection of air and water quality;
b. A representative from the recycling industry; and
c. A representative from the manufacturing or packaging
industry.

The Department Secretary and a private sector representative of

the Commission shall serve as chairman and vice-chairman,
respectively. The Commission may, from time to time, call on any
other concerned agencies or sectors as it may deem necessary. The
Secretaries/Heads of the member agencies of the Commission shall
formulate action plans for their respective agencies to complement
the National Solid Waste Management Framework.

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Section 3. Selection Process and Tenure of Office for the
Private Sector Representatives

Representatives from the NGOs, recycling and manufacturing or

packaging industries shall be nominated through a process
designed by themselves and shall be appointed by the President for
a term of three (3) years.

The appointment of private sector representatives shall be based on

the following criteria:

a. Integrity;
b. High degree of professionalism; and
c. Distinguished themselves in the environmental and resource
management sector.

In any event that members of the Commission fail to complete

his/her term, the successor shall also be appointed by the President
but only for the unexpired portion of term.

Section 4. Meetings of the Commission

The Commission shall meet at least once a month. The presence

of at least a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.
The chairman, or in his absence the vice-chairman, shall be
presiding officer. In the absence of the heads of the agencies
mentioned under Section 4 of the Act, they may designate
permanent representatives to attend the meetings.

Section 5. Conduct of Business of the Commission

Within six (6) months upon effectivity of the IRR, the Commission
shall formulate its governing rules that will define its conduct of
business in carrying out the functions stipulated above.

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 RULE V. SUPPORT INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS

Section 1. Role of the National and Regional Ecology

Centers

Under the Commission, a National Ecology Center is to be

established headed by the Director of the EMB in his ex-officio
capacity. Regional Ecology Centers will also be established
headed by EMB Regional Directors in their ex-officio capacity.
The Ecology Centers shall provide technical expertise,
information, training and networking services for the
implementation of the provisions of the Act. The Center shall
specifically perform the following functions:

a) Facilitate training and education in integrated ecological

solid waste management through the following:

1. formulation of training program for LGUs and

private sector on the proper management of solid
wastes;
2. development of training program on the technical
operations of solid waste management facilities;
3. formulation of training program for deputized
enforcers and implementers
4. development of an accreditation and certification
system for the conduct and holding of training
programs on solid waste management; and
5. in collaboration with the Department of Education
(DeptEd) develop an education program that will
promote an effective solid waste management
systems.

b) Establish and manage a comprehensive solid waste

management information data base and dissemination
system focusing, inter alia, on the following areas:

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 1. in collaboration with DTI, a solid waste generation
and management techniques as well as the
management, technical and operational approaches
to resource recovery;
2. in collaboration with DTI and processors/recyclers,
the list of materials being recycled or brought by
them and their respective prices; and
3. in coordination with DTI information on cleaner
production/cleaner technologies that promote
efficient solid waste management.

c) Promote the development of a recycling market through the

establishment of a national recycling network that will
enhance the opportunity for recycling;

d) Act as the hub for networking of LGUs, NGOs and industry

on voluntary compliance of the pertinent provisions of the
Act;

e) Provide or facilitate expert assistance in pilot modeling of

solid waste management facilities including technologies
and techniques for effective solid waste management;

f) Develop, test and disseminate model waste minimization

and reduction auditing procedures for evaluation options;
and

g) Act as the clearinghouse for cleaner production/cleaner

technologies on solid waste management.

The Ecology Centers shall give primary consideration of making

all the information generated, collected, recorded and stored
accessible to the general public. Said information shall include
data for solid waste management plans, the National Framework,
the National Status Report and all other relevant information
necessary to ecological solid waste management.

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Section 2. Functions of the Secretariat

The Department, through the Environmental Management Bureau,

shall provide secretariat support to the Commission. An Executive
Director who shall be nominated by the members of the
Commission and appointed by the Chairman of the Commission
shall head the Secretariat. The general functions of the Secretariat
shall the following:

a) Prepare all the documents that are to be tabled for

deliberation by the Commission;
b) Record and document all the proceedings of the meetings;
c) Handle all the administrative requisites of the Commission;
d) Index and keep all records used and referenced by the
Commission;
e) Serve as the clearinghouse for all projects/programs for
implementation by the LGUs and/or the public or private
sector;
f) Evaluate and review proposals submitted for funding
support from the Solid Waste Management Fund; and
g) Perform all other functions as may be deemed necessary by
the Commission.

Section 3. Role of the Department

For the furtherance of the objectives of the Act, the Department

shall have the following functions:

a) Chair the Commission created pursuant to the Act;

b) Prepare an annual National Solid Waste Management Status
Report;
c) Prepare and distribute information, education and
communication materials on solid waste management;
d) Establish methods and other parameters for the
measurement of waste reduction, collection and disposal;
e) Provide technical and other capability building assistance
and support to the LGUs in the development and

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 implementation of local solid waste management plans and
programs;
f) Recommend policies to eliminate barriers to waste reduction
programs;
g) Exercise visitorial and enforcement powers to ensure strict
compliance with the Act;
h) Issue rules and regulations to effectively implement the
provisions of the Act; and
i) Perform such other powers and functions necessary to
achieve the objectives to the Act.

Section 4. Visitorial Powers of the Department

a) Reports and records requirements

The Department or its duly authorized representative shall have

access to, and the right to copy therefrom, all records required
to be maintained pursuant to the provisions of the Act.

b) Right of entry, inspection and investigation

The Secretary or the duly authorized representative shall

likewise have the right to enter the premises of any generator,
recycler or manufacturer, or other facilities any time to question
any employee or investigate any fact, condition or matter which
may be necessary to determine any violation of the provisions
of the Act. The Department within three (3) months following
the effectivity of this Rules and Regulations shall issue the
specific protocols that will be observed in involving visitorial
powers authorized under the Act.

Section 5. Licenses and Permits Issued by the Department

No persons, entity or company will be allowed to construct or

operate any SWM facility until the said person or entity has
applied for and obtained valid permits and licenses to operate. The
Bureau, in coordination with the relevant agencies and local
government units, shall identify the specific permitting and
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licensing requirements under its existing regulatory functions for
each of the corresponding phases of the SWM. The listing of
permitting and licensing requirements shall be published within six
(6) months following the effectivity of these Rules and
Regulations.

RULE VI. CREATION OF LOCAL SOLID WASTE

MANAGEMENT BOARDS

Section 1. Creation of the Provincial Solid Waste

Management Boards

Local Solid Waste Management Boards shall be created and

established in each of the concerned LGUs. At the provincial level,
a Provincial Solid Waste Management (SWM) Board shall be
established with the governor as the chair. Correspondingly, for
cities and municipalities, City/Municipality Solid Waste
Management (SWM) Boards is also created. Within six (6) months
upon effectivity of this rules and regulations all LGUs are
mandated to already establish their respective Boards. The
Department, in collaboration with DILG shall assist the LGUs in
facilitating the setting up of the Boards.

Section 2. Functions of the Provincial Solid Waste

Management Board

The Provincial SWM Board shall have the following functions and
responsibilities:

a) Develop a provincial solid waste management plan from

the submitted solid waste management plans of the
respective city and municipal solid waste management
boards herein created. It shall review and integrate the
submitted plans of all its component cities and
municipalities and ensure that the various plans
complement each other, and have the requisite components.

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 The Provincial Solid Waste Management Plan shall be
submitted to the Commission for approval

The Provincial Plan shall reflect the general program of

action and initiatives of the provincial government in
implementing a solid waste management program that
would support the various initiatives of its component cities
and municipalities.

b) Provide the necessary logistical and operational support to

its component cities and municipalities in consonance with
subsection (f) of Section 17 of the Local Government Code.

c) Recommend measures and safeguards against pollution and

for the preservation of the natural ecosystem.

d) Recommend measures to generate resources, funding and

implementation of projects and activities as specified in the
duly approved solid waste management plans.

e) Identify areas within its jurisdiction, which have common

solid waste management problems and are appropriate units
for planning local solid waste management services in
accordance with Section 41 hereof.

f) Coordinate the efforts of the component cities and

municipalities in the implementation of the Provincial Solid
Waste Management Plan.

g) Development of an appropriate incentive scheme as an

integral component of the Provincial Solid Waste
Management Plan.

h) Convene joint meetings of the provincial, city and

municipal solid waste management boards at least every
quarter for purposes of integrating, synchronizing,
monitoring and evaluating the development and

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 implementation of its provincial solid waste management
plan.

i) Represent any of its component city or municipality in

coordinating its resource and operational requirements with
agencies of the national government.

j) Oversee the implementation of the Provincial Solid Waste

Management Plan.

k) Review every two (2) years or as the need arises, the

Provincial Solid Waste Management Plan for purposes of
ensuring its sustainability, viability, effectiveness and
relevance in relation to local and international
developments in the field of solid waste management.

l) Allow for the clustering of LGUs for the solution of

common solid waste management problems.

Section 3. Membership in the Provincial SWM Board

The Provincial SWM Board is to be chaired by the governor and

comprised by the following as members:

a) All the mayors of its component cities and municipalities;

b) One (1) representative from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan
to be represented by the chairperson of either the
Committees on Environment or Health or their equivalent
committees, to be nominated by the presiding officer;
c) The provincial health and/or general services officers,
whichever may be recommended by the governor;
d) The provincial environment and natural resources officer;
e) The provincial engineer;
f) Congressional representative(s) from each congressional
district within the province;
g) A representative from the NGO sector whose principal
purpose is to promote recycling and the protection of air
and water quality;
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 h) A representative from the recycling industry;
i) A representative from the manufacturing or packaging
industry; and
j) A representative of each concerned government agency
possessing relevant technical and marketing expertise as
may be determined by the Board.

The Provincial SWM Board may, from time to time, call on any
other concerned agencies or sectors as it may deem necessary.

Representatives from the NGOs, recycling and manufacturing or

packaging industries shall be selected through a process designed
by themselves and shall be endorsed by the government agency
representatives of the Board.

In the case of the Province of Palawan, the Board is to be chaired

by the chairman of the Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7611.

In the case of Metro Manila, the Board shall be chaired by the

chairperson of the MMDA and its members shall include:

a) All mayors of its component cities and municipalities;

b) A representative from the NGO sector whose principal
purpose is to promote recycling and the protection of air
and water quality
c) A representative from the recycling industry; and
d) A representative from the manufacturing or packaging
industry.

Section 4. Creation of a City and Municipal Solid Wastes

Management Board

The City and Municipal SWM Boards shall have the following
duties and responsibilities:

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a) Develop the City or Municipal Solid Waste Management
Plan that shall ensure the long-term management of solid
waste, as well as integrate the various solid waste
management plans and strategies of the barangays in its
area of jurisdiction. In the development of the Solid Waste
Management Plan, it shall conduct consultations with the
various sectors of the community;

b) Adopt measures to promote and ensure the viability and

effective implementation of solid waste management
programs in its component barangays;

c) Monitor the implementation of the City or Municipal Solid

Waste Management Plan through its various political
subdivisions and in cooperation with the private sector and
the NGOs;

d) Adopt specific revenue-generating measure to promote the

viability of its Solid Waste Management Plan;

e) Convene regular meetings for purposes of planning and

coordinating the implementation of the solid waste
management plans of the respective component barangays;

f) Oversee the implementation of the City or Municipal Solid

Waste Management Plan;

g) Review every two (2) years or as the need arises the City or
Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan for purposes of
ensuring its sustainability, viability, effectiveness and
relevance in relation to local and international
developments in the field of solid waste management;

h) Develop the specific mechanics and guidelines for the

implementation of the City or Municipal Solid Waste
Management Plan;

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 i) Recommend to appropriate local government authorities
specific measure or proposals for franchise or build-
operate-transfer agreements with duly recognized
institutions, pursuant to RA 6967, to provide either
exclusive or non-exclusive authority for the collection,
transfer, storage, processing, recycling or disposal of
municipal solid waste. The proposals shall take into
consideration appropriate government rules and regulations
on contracts, franchises and build-operate-transfer
agreements.

j) Provide the necessary logistical and operational support to

its component cities and municipalities in consonance with
subsection (f) of Section 17 of the Local Government
Code;

k) Recommend measures and safeguards against pollution and

for the preservation of the natural ecosystem; and

l) Coordinated the efforts of its component barangays in the

implementation of the city or municipal Solid Waste
Management Plan.

The Bureau shall provide advisory technical assistance in setting

up of the local solid waste management boards. The Commission
shall provide the policy directions for the Local Solid Waste
Management Boards pursuant to Section 8 of these Rules and
Regulations.

It shall be the duty of the LSWMBs and municipalities, to assist

barangays in their solid waste management, where the barangay
cannot financially or adequately manage all waste segregation,
sorting, recovery, recycling and composting, conducted at the
MRF.

LGUs may assist the barangay either financially, technically or in

any other manner deemed necessary in order to achieve the waste
diversion goal of section 20 of the Act. Provided that within 45
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days of the effectivity of the IRRs, the Liga Ng Mga Barangay
shall assess and thereby determine, those barangays requiring
assistance from their respective LGUs. The LNB shall
subsequently inform the respective LSWMBs of its findings.

Section 5. Membership of the City and Municipal SWM

Board

The City and Municipals SWM Board shall be composed of the

city or municipal mayor as chair with the following as members:

a) One (1) representative of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or

the Sangguniang Bayan, preferably chairpersons of either
the Committees on Environment or Health, who will be
designated by the presiding officer;
b) President of the Association of Barangay Councils in the
municipality or city;
c) Chairperson of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation;
d) A representative from NGOs whose principal purpose is to
promote recycling and the protection of air and water
quality;
e) A representative from the recycling industry;
f) A representative from the manufacturing or packaging
industry; and
g) A representative of each concerned government agency
possessing relevant technical and marketing expertise as
may be determined by the Board.

The City or Municipal Solid Waste Management Board may, from

time to time, call on any concerned agencies or sectors as it may
deem necessary.

Representatives from the NGOs, recycling and manufacturing or

packaging industries shall be selected through a process designed
by themselves and shall be endorsed by the government agency
representatives of the Board.

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Section 6. Creation of a Barangay Solid Waste
Management Committee

The Barangay SWM Board shall have the following functions and
responsibilities:

a) Formulate solid waste management program consistent

with city municipality plan
b) Segregation and collection of biodegradable, compostable,
reusable wastes
c) Establish materials recovery facility
d) Allocate barangay funds; look for sources of funds
e) Organize core coordinators
f) Submit monthly report to city or municipality

Section 7. Membership of the Barangay Solid Waste

Management Committee

The Barangay SWM Board shall be composed of the barangay

captain as chair with the following as members:

a) One (1) Kagawad

b) SK chair
c) Presidents of Home Owners Association
d) Public/private school principals or representative
e) One (1) Parents and Teachers Association president or
representative
f) One (1) Religious organization representative
g) One (1) Bus community representative
h) One (1) environmental NGO representative
i) President of Market Vendors Association; One (1)
representative from junkshop owners’ association

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Section 8. Encouraging the Setting up of Multi-purpose
Environmental Cooperative or Association in LGUs

Multi-purpose cooperatives and associations shall be encouraged

and promoted in every LGU. The DENR and DTI, through their
appropriate bureaus, and with the involvement of the National
Ecology Center, shall provide technical assistance and advisory
guidance to any interested parties duly supported by the LGUs
intending to set up the multi purpose environmental cooperatives
or associations.

PART III COMPREHENSIVE SOLID WASTE

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
RULE VII. PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING POLICY FOR
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Section 1. The National Solid Waste Management
Framework (NSWMF)

The Commission shall consider and adopt appropriate mechanisms

that will facilitate the completion of the Framework. The
Framework shall be updated every five years and integrated in the
Medium Term Development Plan. The framework shall reflect,
among others the following elements:

a) Assessment of SWM situation

1. Analysis and evaluation of the current state, trends

projections of solid waste management on the national,
provincial and municipal levels;
2. Identification of critical solid waste facilities and local
government units which will need closer monitoring and/or
regulation;
3. Characteristics and conditions of collection, storage,
processing, disposal, operating methods, techniques and
practices, location of facilities where such operating

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 methods, techniques and practices are conducted, taking into
account the nature of the waste;
4. The profile of sources, including industrial, commercial,
domestic and other sources.

b) Analysis of Options

1. Practical applications of environmentally sound techniques

of waste minimization such as, but not limited to, resource
conservation, segregation at source, recycling, resource
recovery, including waste-to-energy generation, re-use and
composting;
2. A technical and economical description of the level of
performance that can be attained by various available solid
waste management practices which provide for the
protection of public health and the environment;
3. Methods of closing or upgrading open dumps for purposes
of eliminating potential health hazards;
4. Appropriate solid waste facilities and conservation systems;
5. Recycling programs for the recyclable materials, such as but
not limited to glass, paper, plastic and metal.

c) Mandatory Program of Actions

1. Waste diversion goal pursuant to Section 20 of the Act;

2. Schedule for the closure and/or upgrading of open and
controlled dumps pursuant to Section 37 of the Act;

d) Public participation and IEC campaign

1. Venues for public participation from all sectors at all
phases/stages of the waste management program/project;
2. Information and education campaign strategies.

e) Aspects for standardization and measuring performance

1. A description of levels of performance and appropriate

methods and degrees of control that provide, at the

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 minimum, for protection of public health and welfare
through:

i) Protection of the quality of groundwater and surface

waters from leachate and run-off contamination;
ii) Disease and epidemic prevention and control;
iii) Prevention and control of offensive odor; and
iv) Safety and aesthetics.

2. Minimum criteria to be used by the local government units

to define ecological solid waste management practices. As
much as practicable, such guidelines shall also include
minimum information for use in deciding the adequate
location, design and construction of facilities associated
with solid waste management practices, including the
consideration of regional, geographic, demographic and
climatic factors; and
3. The method and procedure for the phase-out and the
eventual closure of existing open dumps and/or sanitary
landfills located within an aquifer, groundwater reservoir or
watershed area.

Section 2. The Local Governme nt Solid Waste

Management Plan (LGSWMP) Formulation and
Programming

The preparation of the LGSWMP shall consider the planning

cycles embodied in the relevant provisions of RA7160 and shall
also integrate other mandatory plans pursuant to the relevant
provisions of other existing rules and regulations. Under the
overall direction of the Commission, the DENR, DILG, NEDA and
the various leagues of local governments, shall develop a
coordinative mechanism that will ensure that LGUs are
significantly guided in the preparation of LGSWMP. The
Commission shall promulgate and standardize a process for LGUs
to follow in having their respective LGSWMP approved.

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Section 3. Components and Elements of Local Government
Solid Waste Management Plans

The thrust of the LGSWMP shall be the identification of

implementable strategies and activities that encourage the re-use,
recycling and composting of wastes generated in their respective
jurisdictions with specific schedules and timetables, targets and
measurable indicators of achievements. Subject to the guidelines
that will be subsequently issued by the Commission, the
preparation of the Local Solid Waste Management Plans shall
reflect, among others, the components enumerated under Section
17 of the Act which is enumerated below. The Commission,
through the Secretariat and the DILG shall develop a coordinative
mechanism that will assist the appropriate units/offices of LGUs
tasked to develop their respective solid waste management plans.

a) Background Information

1. City or Municipal Profile – The plan shall indicate the

following background information on the city or
municipality and its component barangays, covering
important highlights of the distinct geographic and other
conditions:

i) Estimated population of each barangay within the city

or municipality and population projection for a 10-year
period;
ii) Illustration or map of the city/municipality, indicating
locations of residential, commercial, and industrial
centers, and agricultural area, as well as dump sites,
landfills and other solid waste facilities. The illustration
shall indicate as well, the proposed sites for disposal
and other solid waste facilities;
iii) Estimated solid waste generation and projection by
source, such as residential, market, commercial,
industrial, construction/demolition, street waste,

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 agricultural, agro-industrial, institutional, other wastes;
and
iv) Inventory of existing waste disposal and other solid
waste facilities and capacities; including an inventory
of existing equipment used for collection and the
number of people involved in solid waste management,
in order that the budget required to implement plans
and cost estimations, be calculated.

b) Waste Characterization

For the initial source reduction and recycling element of a local

waste management plan, the LGU waste characterization
component shall identify the constituent materials which
comprise the solid waste generated within the jurisdiction of
the LGU. The information shall be representative of the solid
waste generated and disposed of within that area. The
constituent materials shall be identified by volume, percentage
in weight or its volumetric equivalent, material type, and
source of generation, which includes residential, commercial,
industrial governmental, or other sources. Future revisions of
waste characterization studies shall identify the constituent
materials, which comprise the solid waste, disposed of at
permitted disposal facilities. Appendix A sets the general guide
in the conduct of waste characterization.

c) Source Reduction

The source reduction component shall include a program and

implementation schedule which shows the methods by which
the LGU will, in combination with the recycling and
composting components, reduce a sufficient amount of solid
waste disposed of in accordance with the diversion
requirements of Section 20 of the Act.

The source reduction component shall describe the following:

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 1. strategies in reducing the volume of solid waste generated
at source;
2. measures for implementing such strategies and the
resources necessary to carry out such activities;
3. other appropriate waste reduction technologies that may
also be considered, provided that such technologies
conform with the standards set pursuant to this Act;
4. the types of wastes to be reduced pursuant to Section 15 of
this Act;
5. the methods that the LGU will use to determine the
categories of solid wastes to be diverted from disposal at a
disposal facility through re-use, recycling and composting;
and
6. new facilities and of expansion of existing facilities which
will be needed to implement re-use, recycling and
composting.

The LGU source reduction component shall include the

evaluation and identification of rate structures and fees for the
purpose of reducing the amount of waste generated, and other
source reduction strategies, including but not limited to,
programs and economic incentives provided under Section 45
of the Act to reduce and use of non-recyclable materials,
replace disposable materials and products with reusable
materials and products, reduce packaging, and increase the
efficiency of the use of paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and
other materials. The waste reduction activities of the
community shall also take into account, among others, local
capability, economic viability, technical requirements, social
concerns, disposition of residual waste and environmental
impact. Projection of future facilities needed and estimated cost
shall be also incorporated in the plan.

d) Recycling

The recycling component shall include a program and

implementation schedule which shows the methods by which
the LGU shall, in combination with the source reduction and
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composting components, reduce a sufficient amount of solid
waste disposed of in accordance with the diversion
requirements set in Section 20 of the Act and Section 7 Rule
VII of these IRR.

The LGU recycling component shall describe the following:

1. The types of materials to be recycled under the programs;

2. The methods for determining the categories of solid wastes
to be diverted from disposal at a disposal facility through
recycling; and
3. New facilities and expansion of existing facilities needed to
implement the recycling component.

The LGU recycling component shall describe methods for

developing the markets for recycled materials, including, but
not limited to, an evaluation of the feasibility of procurement
preferences for the purchase of recycled products. Each LGU
may determine and grant a price preference to encourage the
purchase of recycled products.

The five-year strategy for collecting, processing, marketing and

selling the designated recyclable materials shall take into
account persons engaged in the business of recycling or
persons otherwise providing recycling services before the
effectivity of the Act. Such strategy may be based upon the
results of the waste composition analysis performed pursuant to
this Section or information obtained in the course of past
collection of solid waste by the local government unit, and may
include recommendations with respect to increasing the
number of materials designated for recycling pursuant to the
Act.

The LGU recycling component shall evaluate industrial,

commercial, residential, agricultural, governmental, and other
curbside, mobile, drop-off, and buy-back recycling programs,
manual and automated materials recovery facilities, zoning,
building code changes and rate structures which encourage
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 recycling of materials. The Solid Waste Management Plan
shall indicate the specific measures to be undertaken to meet
the waste diversion specified under Section 20 of the Act and
Section 7 Rule VII of these IRR.

Recommended revisions to the building ordinances, requiring

newly-constructed buildings and buildings undergoing
specified alterations to contain storage space, devices or
mechanisms that facilitate source separation and storage of
designated recyclable materials to enable the local government
unit to efficiently collect, process, market and sell the
designated materials. Such recommendations shall include, but
shall not be limited to separate chutes to facilitate source
separation in multi-family dwellings, storage areas that
conform to fire and safety code regulations, and specialized
storage containers.

The Solid Waste Management Plan shall indicate the specific

measures to be undertaken to meet the recycling goals pursuant
to the objectives of the Act.

e) Composting

The composting component shall include a program and

implementation schedule which shows the methods by which
the LGU shall, in combination with the source reduction and
recycling components, reduce a sufficient amount of solid
waste disposed of within its jurisdiction to comply with the
diversion requirements of Section 20 of the Act and Section 7
Rule VII of these IRR.

The LGU composting components shall describe the following:

1. The types of materials which will be composted under the

programs;
2. The methods for determining the categories of solid wastes
to be diverted from disposal at a disposal facility through
composting; and
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 3. New facilities, and expansion of existing facilities needed
to implement the composting component.

The LGU composting component shall describe methods for

developing the markets for composted materials, including, but
not limited to, an evaluation of the feasibility of procurement
preferences for purchase of composted products. Each LGU
may determine and grant a price preference to encourage the
purchase of composted products.

f) Collection and Transfer

The plan shall take into account the geographic subdivisions to

define the coverage of the solid waste collection area in every
barangay. The barangay shall be responsible for ensuring that a
100% collection efficiency from residential, commercial,
industrial and agricultural sources, where necessary within its
area of coverage, is achieved. Toward this end, the plan shall
define and identify the specific strategies and activities to be
undertaken by its component barangays, taking into account
the following concerns:

1. Availability and provision of properly designed containers

or receptacles in selected collection points for the
temporary storage of solid waste while awaiting collection
and transfer to processing sites or to final disposal sites;
2. Segregation of different types of solid waste for re-use,
recycling and composting;
3. Hauling and transfer of solid waste from source or
collection points to processing sites or final disposal sites;
4. Issuance and enforcement of ordinances to effectively
implement a collection system in the barangay; and
5. Provision of properly trained officers and workers to handle
solid waste disposal.

The plan shall define and specify the methods and systems for
the transfer of solid waste from specific collection points to
solid waste management facilities.
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g) Processing

The plan shall define the methods and the facilities required to
process the solid waste, including the use of intermediate
treatment facilities for composting, recycling, conversion and
other waste processing systems. Other appropriate waste
processing technologies may also be considered provided that
such technologies conform with internationally acceptable and
other standards set in other laws and regulations.

h) Solid Waste Facility Capacity and Final Disposal

The solid waste facility component shall include, but shall not
be limited to, a projection of the amount of disposal capacity
needed to accommodate the solid waste generated, reduced by
the following:

1. Implementation of source reduction, recycling, and

composting programs required in this Section or through
implementation of other waste diversion activities;
2. Any permitted disposal facility which will be available
during the 10-year planning period; and
3. All disposal capacity which has been secured through an
agreement with another LGU, or through an agreement
with a solid waste enterprise.

The plan shall identify existing and proposed disposal sites and
waste management facilities in the city or municipality or in
other areas. The plan shall specify the strategies for the
efficient disposal of waste through existing disposal facilities
and the identification of prospective sites for future use. The
selection and development of disposal sites shall be made on
the basis of internationally accepted standards and on the
guidelines set in Sections 41 and 42 of the Act.

Strategies shall be included to improve said existing sites to

reduce adverse impact on health and the environment, and to
extend life span and capacity. The plan shall clearly define
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 projections for future disposal site requirements and the
estimated cost for these efforts.

Open dumpsites shall not be allowed as final disposal sites. If

an open dumpsite is existing within the city or municipality,
the plan shall make provisions for its closure or eventual phase
out within the period specified under the framework and
pursuant to the provisions under Section 37 of the Act. As an
alternative, sanitary landfill sites shall be developed and
operated as a final disposal site for solid and, eventually,
residual wastes of a municipality or city or a cluster of
municipalities and/or cities. Sanitary landfills shall be designed
and operated in accordance with the guidelines set under
Sections 40 and 41 of the Act.

i) Education and Public Information

The education and public information component shall

describe how the LGU will educate and inform its citizens
about the source reduction, recycling, and composting
programs.

The plan shall make provisions to ensure that information on

waste collection services, solid waste management and related
health and environmental concerns are widely disseminated
among the public. This shall be undertaken through the print
and broadcast media and other government agencies in the
municipality. The DECS and the Commission on Higher
Education shall ensure that waste management shall be
incorporated in the curriculum of primary, secondary and
college students.

j) Special Wastes

The special waste component shall include existing waste

handling and disposal practices for special waste or household
hazardous wastes, and the identification of current and

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 proposed programs to ensure the proper handling, re-use, and
long-term disposal of special wastes.

k) Resource Requirement and Funding

The funding component includes identification and description

of project costs, revenues, and revenue sources the LGU will
use to implement all components of the LGU solid waste
management plan.

The plan shall likewise indicate specific projects, activities,

equipment and technological requirements for which outside
sourcing of funds or materials may be necessary to carry out
the specific components of the plan. It shall define the specific
uses for its resource requirements and indicate its costs. The
plan shall likewise indicate how the province, city or
municipality intends to generate the funds for the acquisition of
its resource requirements. It shall also indicate if certain
resource requirements are being or will be sourced from fees,
grants, donations, local funding and other means. This will
serve as basis for the determination and assessment of
incentives which may be extended to the province, city or
municipality as provided for in Section 45 of the Act.

l) Privatization of Solid Waste Management Projects

The plan shall likewise indicate specific measures to promote

the participation of the private sector in the management of
solid wastes, particularly in the generation and development of
the essential technologies for solid waste management. Specific
projects or component activities of the plan which may be
offered as private sector investment activity shall be identified
and promoted as such. Appropriate incentives for private sector
involvement in solid waste management shall likewise be
established and provided for in the plan, in consonance with
Section 45 hereof and other existing laws, policies and
regulations; and

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m) Incentive Programs

A program providing for incentives, cash or other wise, which

shall encourage the participation of concerned sectors shall
likewise be included in the plan.

Section 4. Considerations of local government SWM Plans

prior to the Act’s effectivity

Acknowledging that a number of LGUs have initiated efforts in

preparing their respective solid waste management plan, prior to
the effectivity of the Act, these efforts shall be recognized as works
complying with the pertinent provisions of the Act; provided that,
earlier developed plans shall be made consistent with the elements
prescribed in Section 3 under Rule VII of this rules and
regulations. Said plan upon its validation and adjustments shall be
subject to approval by the Commission.

Section 5. Clustering of Common Solid Waste Management

Problems

The Department shall publish guidelines for the identification of

areas which have common solid waste management problems and
are appropriate units for clustered solid waste management
services. The guidelines shall be based on the following
considerations:

a) the size and location of areas which should be included;

b) the volume of solid waste which would be generated;
c) the available means of coordinating local government planning
between and among the LGUs and for the integration of such
with the national plan;
d) possible lifespan of the disposal facilities; and
e) common waste treatment and disposal facilities

The Commission shall recommend to concerned local government

units to consolidate and coordinate efforts, services and resources

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for jointly addressing solid waste management issues.
Furthermore, technical guidelines, criteria for joint activities and
projects, and a set of incentive systems for LGUs opting to
consolidate efforts by jointly planning and implementing a
comprehensive SWM programs for their respective areas of
jurisdictions shall be subsequently specified and regularly updated
by the Department.

Mandatory public hearings for the national framework and local

government solid waste management plans shall be undertaken by
the Commission and the respective Boards. Provided that, the
Commission and respective Boards ensure that at least three (3)
weeks notice, prior to the hearing is given to the public. Such
notice shall include an explanation of the hearing process, location,
and any other factor, either the Commission or respective Boards
consider relevant.

The Commission shall formulate standard rules and procedures for

the conduct of public hearings. However, each hearing shall be of
a substantive nature. It shall include more than just a description of
the National Framework and local government solid waste
management plans, by the Commission and respective Boards.

Every citizen shall be given the right and opportunity to comment

on the Framework, and solid waste management plans, preferably
in writing.

All records of the proceedings of said hearings shall be filed with

the Commission and the respective boards; and that they shall be
readily available and accessible to the public. The Commission and
respective boards shall formulate their decision whether to adopt,
reject or revise the reviewed plans on the basis of materials and
information, provided their knowledge and experience, in addition
to the materials adduced in public hearings.

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Section 7. Establishing Mandatory Solid Waste Diversion

Each LGUSWM plans shall include an implementable schedule

which shows that within five (5) years after the effectivity of the
Act, the LGU shall divert at least 25% of all solid waste from
waste disposal facilities through re-use, recycling and composting
activities and other resource recovery activities. The baseline for
the 25% shall be derived from the waste characterization results
which each LGUs are mandated to undertake. Subsequently the
waste diversion goals shall be increased every three (3) years
thereafter. Nothing in this IRR however, prohibits a local
government unit from implementing re-use, recycling and
composting activities designed to exceed the 25% goal.

RULE VIII. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Section 1. Overall Policy

It shall be the overall policy of the Department to strictly

implement the provisions of the Rules and Regulations of the Act.
The implementation of the ecological solid waste management
shall fundamentally take into account the management of waste in
the following hierarchy:

a) Source reduction and minimization of wastes generated at

source;
b) Resource recovery, recycling and reuse of wastes at the
barangay;
c) Efficient collection, proper transfer and transport of wastes by
city/municipality; and
d) Efficient management of residuals and of final disposal sites
and/or any other related technologies for the destruction/reuse
of residuals.

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Section 2. Implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste
Management Systems

The Local Government Code, the LGUs shall be primarily

responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the
ecological solid waste management systems within their respective
jurisdictions.

Waste segregation and collection shall be conducted at the

barangay level specifically for biodegradable/compostable and
reusable/recyclable wastes. The collection and disposal of non-
recyclable/non-recoverable materials and special wastes shall be
the responsibility of the city or municipality.

RULE IX. WASTE SEGREGATION AT SOURCE

Section 1. Waste Segregation and Volume Reduction at

Source

Volume reduction at the source shall be the first priority of the

ecological SWM system. All LGUs shall actively promote among
its constituencies the reduction and minimization of wastes
generated at source; responsibility for sorting and segregation of
biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes shall be at the
household level and all other sources.

Section 2. Minimum Requirements for Segregation and

Volume Reduction

The following shall be the minimum requirements for segregation

and storage of solid waste pending collection:

a) There shall be a separate container for each type of waste from

all sources. For bulky waste, it will suffice that the same be
collected and placed in a separate container and in designated
areas;

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b) The solid waste container depending on its use shall be
properly marked or identified for on-site collection as
“compostable,” “recyclable” or “special waste,” or any other
classification as may be determined by the Commission; and

c) For premises containing six (6) or more residential units, the

LGUs shall promulgate ordinances and regulations requiring
the owner or person in charge of such premises to:

1. Provide for the residents a designated area and containers

in which to accumulate source separated recyclable
materials to be collected by the barangay or private
collector; and
2. Notify the occupants of such buildings of the requirements
of the Act and the regulations promulgated pursuant
thereto.

d) For all commercial, institutional and industrial establishments,

the LGUs shall promulgate ordinances requiring the owner or
head of the institutions to:

1. Provide a designated area and containers in which to

accumulate source separated recyclable materials to be
collected by the barangay or private collector;
2. Notify all workers, employees, and entities working in the
premises of the requirements of the Act and the regulations
promulgated pursuant thereto; and
3. No scavenging or unauthorized collection in designated
segregation containers or areas shall be allowed.

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RULE X. COLLECTION, TRANSPORT AND HANDLING OF
SOLID WASTES

Section 1. Minimum standards for the collection, transport

and handling of Solid Wastes

The following shall be the minimum standards and requirements

for the collection, transport and handling of solid waste:

a) All collectors and other personnel directly dealing with

collection of solid waste shall be equipped with personal
protective equipment and paraphernalia such as, but not limited
to gloves, masks and safety boots, to protect them from the
hazards of handling solid wastes.

b) The City or Municipal Health Officer shall provide necessary

training to the collectors and personnel to ensure that the solid
wastes are handled properly in accordance with the guidelines
pursuant to the Act. The Commission through the National
Ecology Center, in coordination with the DOH shall develop
training guidelines.

c) Collection of solid waste shall be done in a manner that

prevents damage to the container and spillage or scattering of
solid waste within the collection vicinity.

d) The equipment used in the collection and transportation of

solid waste (or materials which have been separated for the
purpose of recycling) shall be constructed, operated and
maintained in such a manner as to minimize health and safety
hazards to solid waste management personnel and the public.

e) Equipment shall be maintained in good condition and kept

clean to prevent the propagation or attraction of vectors and the
creation of nuisances.

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f) The use of separate collection schedules and/or separate trucks
or haulers shall be required for specific types of wastes.
Otherwise, vehicles used for the collection and transport of
solid wastes shall have the appropriate compartments to
facilitate efficient storing of sorted wastes while in transit. The
waste compartment shall have a cover to ensure the
containment of solid wastes while in transit.

g) Vehicles shall be designed to consider road size, condition and

capacity to ensure the safe and efficient collection and
transport of solid wastes.

h) For the purpose of identification, vehicles shall bear the body

number, the name, and telephone number of the
contractor/agency collecting solid waste.

Section 2. Minimum Requirements for Establishing and

Operating Transfer Stations

Transfer stations shall be designed and operated for efficient waste

handling capacity and in compliance with environmental standards
and guidelines set pursuant to the Act, these IRRs and other
regulations. In addition the design and operation of transfer
stations shall conform to the following standards and criteria:

a) Leachate and Drainage Control – Facilities shall be designed

such that waste shall not come into contact with run-off and to
prevent the generation of leachate.

b) Provisions for vector, odor, litter and dust control shall be

included.

c) The siting of the transfer station shall consider the land use
plan, proximity of collection area, and accessibility of haul
routes to disposal facility. The design shall give primary
consideration to size and space sufficiency in order to

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 accommodate the storage of waste, and vehicles for the loading
and unloading of wastes.

d) The following records shall be kept and maintained, such

records shall be submitted to the Department upon request:

1. Record of daily weights or volumes of waste received and

transferred accurate to within ten percent (10%) and
adequate for overall planning purposes and tracking of
waste volumes
2. Daily logbook or file of the following information shall be
maintained: fires, special occurrences, unauthorized loads,
injury and property damage

e) Waste shall be removed from the transfer station within

twenty-four (24) hours of its receipt.

RULE XI. MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITIES AND

COMPOSTING

Section 1. Operations of a Materials Recovery Facility

Barangays shall be responsible for the collection, segregation,

recycling of biodegradable, recyclable, compostable and reusable
wastes. MRFs will be established in every barangay or cluster of
barangays.

The facility shall be established in a barangay-owned or leased

land or any suitable open space to be determined by the barangay
through its Sanggunian. For this purpose, the barangay or cluster
of barangays shall allocate a certain parcel of land for the MRF.
The determination of site and actual establishment of the facility
shall likewise be subject.

The MRF shall receive biodegradable wastes for composting and

mixed non-biodegradable wastes for final segregation, re-use and

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recycling. Provided, that each type of mixed waste is collected
from the source and transported to the MRF in separate containers.

The resulting residual wastes shall then be transferred to a long-

term storage or disposal facility or sanitary landfill.

Materials recovery facilities shall be designed to receive, sort,

process and store compostable and recyclable material efficiently
and in an environmentally sound manner. The facility shall
address the following considerations:

a) The building and/or land layout and equipment must be

designed to accommodate efficient and safe materials
processing, movement and storage;

b) The building must be designed to allow efficient and safe

external access and to accommodate internal flow;
c) If the MRF includes a composting operation, it shall comply
with the provisions of Section 2 and of Rule XI of this IRR
applicable to composting and composts;

d) The following records shall be kept and maintained, such

records shall be submitted to the Department upon request:

1) Record of daily weights or volumes of waste received,

processed and removed from site accurate to within ten
percent (10%) and adequate for overall planning purposes
and tracking of success of waste diversion goals; and
2) Daily logbook or file of the following information shall be
maintained: fire, special occurrences, unauthorized loads,
injury and property damage

Section 2. Guidelines for Compost Quality

Organic fertilizers derived from compost and intended to be

distributed commercially shall conform with the standards for
organic fertilizers set by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority of
the Department of Agriculture. Compost products intended for
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commercial or non-commercial distribution shall be free from
hazardous/toxic constituent above permissible levels, and shall be
tested for such constituents using the Toxicity Characteristic
Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test method developed by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Section 3. Inventory of Markets for Composts

Within six (6) months after the effectivity of this Act, the DA shall
publish an inventory of existing markets and demands for
composts. Said inventory shall thereafter be updated and
published annually: Provided that composting of agricultural
wastes, and other compostable materials, including but not limited
to garden wastes, shall be encouraged.

Section 4. Minimum Requisites for Operating Composting

Facilities

Composting facilities shall conform to the following siting, design

and operating standards and criteria:

a) The Facility shall not be sited in areas subject to frequent

flooding, unless engineering controls are provided in the design
to prevent inundation of the facility.

b) Leachate and Drainage Control

1. Facilities shall be designed such that compost piles,

windrows, residues and processed material will not come in
contact with surface storm run-off.
2. Where excess leachate storage is provided, discharge of
leachate into any body of water is prohibited unless such
discharge meets the limits prescribed by the DENR
standards for effluents. Where leachate needs to be stored,
it shall comply with the provisions of Section 1(k) of Rule
XIV of this IRR. Provisions shall be made such that

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 leachate is re-circulated back into compost piles or
windrows as much as possible.

c) Provisions for vector, odor, litter and dust control shall be

included

d) Records keeping shall be maintained at all times in accordance

with Section 2(b) of Rule XIV of this IRR.

e) Residues shall be managed as solid waste and shall be disposed

of as such.

f) Temperatures of compost piles, curing piles and processed

composts shall be maintained in safe levels to prevent
spontaneous combustion.

g) Aerobic conditions shall be maintained to prevent creation of

dangerous gases such as methane.

Provided that, individual household backyard composting shall be

exempted from the provisions of Section.

All technical reports, technical documents, plans and specifications

pertaining to the engineering of the facility and other waste
management facilities shall be certified based on EMB
requirements.

RULE XII. IMPLEMENTING A RECYCLING PROGRAM

Section 1. Formulating a Recycling Program (Eco-labeling,

Reclamation, Buy Back Mechanism)

The DTI shall, in cooperation with the Department, DILG/LGUs,

sectors practicing recycling and other concerned agencies, shall
undertake a study of existing markets for processing and
purchasing recyclable materials, and the potential steps necessary
to expand these markets.

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When developing the market for recycled goods, an investigation
of markets should be made for each recyclable material, as defined
in the Act, by the Commission, DTI, DOF and the NEC, and
should include at a minimum:

a) identifying potential purchasers of the recovered material

through standard market research techniques;
b) directly contacting buyers and determining the buyers quality
specifications, potential transportation agreements and any
minimum quantity criteria.

All information from the investigation of markets, including a list

of prospective buyers of recycled products, and a list of
procedures, standards and strategies to market recyclable materials
and develop local markets, shall be easily accessible by the public,
through the solid waste management information database,
formulated by the National Ecology Center.

Section 2. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

The Commission, DTI, DOF, NPS and the NEC, shall encourage
national and local governments to purchase environmentally
preferable products and services.

All government personnel shall seek to reduce the environmental

damages associated with their purchases by increasing their
acquisition of environmentally preferable products and services to
the extent feasible, consistent with price, performance, availability
and safety considerations.
Responsibility for environmentally preferable purchasing shall be
shared among the program, acquisition and procurement personnel
of government agencies.

The principles of pollution prevention, life cycle

perspective/multiple environmental attributes, comparison of
environmental impacts – recovery time and geographic scale,
differences among competing products’ environmental

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performance and human health shall all be considered in
environmentally preferable purchasing.

Section 3. Specifications, Product Descriptions and

Standards

It shall be the responsibility of the DTI to conduct a study into

product standards for recyclable and recycled materials. Such a
study shall consider and include, through not be limited to any
existing standards on recycled and recyclable products and existing
international practices. In the formulation of such a study, DTI
shall consult with affected industries and other concerned agencies;
provided that, the results of such a study and any subsequent
guidelines or standards formulated, shall be easily accessible to the
public through the NEC database.

Section 4. Eco-labeling

The Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Product

Standards (DTI-BPS) shall formulate and implement a coding
system for packaging materials and products to facilitate waste
recycling and re-use. The coding system shall initially be based on
ISO 14020 series standards, particularly, ISO standard 14024,
“Environmental Labeling – Practitioner Programs – Guiding
Principles, Practices and Certification Procedures of Multiple
Criteria (type 1) Programs’, with criteria to be determined on the
basis of life cycle assessment of the product group.

The criteria shall be regularly reviewed to ensure their

appropriateness and currency in light of scientific and technical
progress, and of the experience gained in this area, and to ensure
consistency with relevant, internationally recognized standards.

DTI shall clarify the principles for establishing the effectivity level
of the eco-label, in order to facilitate consistent and effective
implementation of the scheme.

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The eco-label shall include simple, accurate, non-deceptive and
scientifically based information on the key environmental aspects
which are considered in the award of the label in order to enable
consumers to make informed choices. Provided DTI shall make
relevant information about the attributes of the products available
to purchasers, and that information on the process and
methodologies used in the eco-labeling process, shall be available
to all interested parties.

Section 5. Non-Environmentally Acceptable Products

The Commission should decide which products or packaging are

non-environmentally acceptable. Provided, that this criteria is
regularly reviewed to ensure its appropriateness and currency, in
light of scientific and technical progress, and of the experience
gained in this area.

Prohibiting non-environmentally acceptable products, any decision

to prohibit certain packaging types and products must be supported
by available scientific, environmental, technical and economic
information and technical studies through, but not limited to life
cycle assessment and economic analysis. Provided that the
Commission consults representatives from affected industries and
subject to public notice and hearing.

Further, in making such decisions, the Commission shall make

every effort to reach agreement by consensus. If all efforts at
consensus have been exhausted, and no agreement reached, such
decisions shall, as a last resort, be adopted by a two-thirds majority
vote of the Commission.

Based on the assessments made, the Commission may decide:

a) which products should be added to or removed from the list of

non-environmentally acceptable products;
b) the mechanism, scope and timing of the control measures that
should apply to those products;

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c) possible alternatives to controlled products as defined in RA
6969;
d) costs and benefits of relevant control strategies; and
e) the specific measures to be undertaken to comply with Section
29 of the Act.

The list on non-environmentally acceptable products shall be made

available to the public through the solid waste management
information database.

Prior to each annual revision and update of the list of non-

environmentally acceptable products, the Commission shall seek
information from the appropriate experts qualified in the fields
mentioned and in any other field deemed necessary to the revision.
Notice of the updated list will also be given to the public and
affected industries and at least 60 days shall be allocated for
comment of the public and affected industries. Any written
comments may be submitted to the Commission.

Provided, the list of non-environmentally acceptable products and

the schedule for their phase-out, shall be included in the solid
waste management information database, formulated by the
National Ecology Center.

Section 6. Reclamation Programs and Buy-back Centers

The NEC shall assist LGUs in establishing and implementing

deposit or reclamation programs in coordination with
manufacturers, recyclers and generators to provide separate
collection systems or convenient drop-off locations for recyclable
materials and particularly for separated toxic components of the
waste stream like dry cell batteries and tires to ensure that they are
not incinerated or disposed of in landfill.

In assisting LGUs in the establishment of buyback centers and

reclamation programs, the NEC shall conduct a detailed study on
feasible reclamation programs and buyback centers. The NEC
shall also assist in implementing such programs and centers, by
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cooperating with respective LGUs in the formulation of related
ordinances.

RULE XIII OPERATIONS OF CONTROLLED DUMPSITES

Section 1. Controlling the Operation of Open Dumpsites

No open dumpsites shall be established and operated by any person

or entities, including the LGUs, will be allowed. Within three (3)
years following the effectivity of the Act, all open dumpsites shall
be converted to controlled dumpsites to operate only within five
(5) years and beyond the said period shall consider these facilities
as deemed closed and phased out. The Commission through the
Department shall issue subsequent guidelines that will classify
controlled dumpsites according to the following considerations:

a) Volume of wastes received;

b) Types and character of wastes received; and
c) Cost requirements for operating the facilities.

Section 2. Minimum Requirements for Operation of

Controlled Dumpsites

The following minimum requirements shall be applied in siting,

designing and operation of controlled dumpsites:

a) Daily cover consisting of inert materials or soil of al least 6

inches in thickness shall be applied at the end of the working
day; where there is a lack of onsite soil material, other
alternative materials may be used subject to the prior written
approval of the enforcement authority and the Department;

b) Drainage and runoff control shall be designed and managed

such that storm water does not come in contact with waste and
that discharge of sediments into the receiving body of water is
minimized. Appropriate erosion protection shall be installed at
storm discharge outfalls;

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c) Provision for aerobic and anaerobic decomposition shall be
instituted to control odor;

d) Working areas shall be minimized and kept at no more than a

ratio of 1.5 square meter (sqm) or less per ton/day (tpd) of
waste received on a daily basis, e.g. 30 sqm working area for a
20 tpd facility;
e) Security fencing shall be provided to prevent illegal entries,
trespassing and large animal entries. Large animals shall
include but not limited to adult domesticated or feral animals
such as dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, carabaos and horses. Provisions
for litter control including the use of litter fences and daily
picking of litter shall be included;

f) Basic record keeping including volume of waste received daily,

special occurrences such as fires, accidents, spills,
unauthorized loads (maintain record of unauthorized and
rejected loads, name and address of hauler and generator of
such unauthorized waste), and daily waste inspection logs;

g) Provision of maintained all-weather access roads;

h) Controlled waste picking and trading, if allowed by

owner/operator, in order to facilitate daily covering and
compliance to Subsections (a) through (e) above;

i) Provision of at least 0.60 m final soil cover at closure, and

post-closure maintenance of cover, drainage and vegetation;
Post-closure maintenance shall be for a period of ten (10)
years;

j) Site shall not be located in flood plains and areas subject to

periodic flooding and it shall be hydro-geologically suitable,
i.e., adequate separation or clearance between waste and
underlying groundwater and any surface body of water shall be
provided. Engineering controls shall be provided otherwise.

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k) Open dumpsites that do not comply with siting requirements of
this Section shall be closed immediately. A replacement
facility shall be, at a minimum, a controlled dump and shall
meet the requirements of Rule XIII, and other applicable
provisions of the IRR

RULE XIV OPERATIONS OF SANITARY LANDFILLS

Section 1. Minimum Considerations for Siting and

Designing Sanitary Landfills

The following guidelines, standards and criteria shall be applied in

siting and designing sanitary landfills:

a) The location of the facility shall be consistent with the overall

land use plan of the LGU.

b) The site shall be accessible from major roadways and

thoroughfares, provided that if it is not accessible, the project
design shall include means of access.

c) The site shall have an adequate quantity of earth cover material

that is easily handled and compacted; as an alternative, an
offsite guaranteed source of cover material shall be identified.

d) If the site is located within two (2) kilometers of an airport

runway, it shall not pose a bird hazard to aircraft. The
Owner/Operator shall institute a bird control program so as to
prevent hazards to aircraft if bird population becomes
significant due to the operation of the landfill. The site shall
comply with other requirements for safety of flying aircraft in
terms of height of structures, such as provisions for obstruction
lights, if required.

e) Locations of public water supply intakes located within one (1)

kilometer from the facility, including active public drinking
water supply wells, shall be shown on a facility map.

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f) The facility shall not be constructed within 75 meters from a
Holocene fault or known recent active fault.

g) If significant archaeological and cultural resources are present

at the site, such resources shall be protected and preserved.

h) If the site is a habitat of listed endangered species, mitigation

measures for protection of the species as required by applicable
laws shall be included in the project proposal.

i) The site shall be chosen with regard to the sensitivities of the

community’s residents. The Sangguniang Bayan/ Lungsod of
the host LGU shall adopt a resolution confirming compliance
with the pertinent siting, design criteria and standards. The
resolution shall be deemed as having fully satisfied the public
sensitivity requirement of this section.

j) Except as provided by Section (m) of Rule XIV, for landfills

located in sensitive resources areas, landfills shall be provided
with a base liner system consisting of clay and/or geosynthetic
membranes (geomembrane). If clay is used, it shall have a
minimum thickness of 0.75m and permeability of 1x10-6
cm/sec or less. Geomembranes shall be at least 1.5 mm thick
with a permeability of 1x10-14 cm/sec or less; Geosynthetic
Clay Liners (GCL) shall have a thickness of at least 6.4 mm
and a permeability of 1x10-9 cm/sec or less. If composite liner
is used (clay under geo-membrane), the thickness of the clay
liner may be reduced to 0.60 m. The overlying geomembrane
shall have the same properties as stated above. In the design of
geosynthetic liners, international standards (e.g. Geosynthetic
Research Institute, or applicable ASTM standards) shall be
used for its design and specifications in terms of properties,
manufacturing and construction quality assurance and testing
procedures.

k) Leachate collection and removal system shall be provided and

designed such that leachate buildup in the landfill will be
minimized. For design purposes, an allowable leachate level of
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 not more than 0.60 meter over the liner system shall be
maintained. If leachate is discharged to a receiving body of
water, the discharge shall meet effluent discharge and water
quality criteria prescribed by DENR.

l) Leachate storage facilities shall be designed with containment

systems to prevent leachate from spillage and its migration into
underlying groundwater or nearby surface body of water. For
leachate impoundment ponds, the design shall include a
geomembrane liner system, underlain by a low permeability
soil layer of at least 0.30 m thick. The geomembrane liner
shall be at least 1.5 mm thick with a permeability of 1x10-14
cm/sec or less; Liner specifications, CQA and engineering
certification requirements shall be per provisions of Section 1m
of Rule XIV. Adequate freeboard including allowance for
rainfall volume and other safeguards shall be provided to
prevent pond overflowing.

m) The site shall be located in an area where the landfill’s

operation will not detrimentally affect environmentally
sensitive resources such as aquifers, groundwater reservoir or
watershed area, by provision of the following special
mitigation measures and additional criteria:

1. The facility shall be a minimum 50 meters away from any

perennial stream, lake or river.
2. The site shall be evaluated for presence of geologic
hazards, faults, unstable soils, its foundation stability, and
its hydrogeologic character. The site shall not be located in
a floodplain.
3. It shall be provided with a composite base liner system
consisting of a minimum 1.5 millimeter (mm) thick high
density polyethylene liner (HDPE) underlain by a soil liner
with a minimum thickness to 0.60 meter (m) and maximum
permeability of 1x10-6 centimeter/second (cm/sec).
4. A Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) with a minimum
thickness of 6.4 mm and permeability of 1x10-9 cm/sec or
less, may be substituted for the soil liner. Likewise, the
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 design of the final cap shall be equivalent to its liner system
in terms of permeability. The thickness of the final cover
system shall be at least 1.5 m including a minimum 0.60 m
thick soil foundation layer, its final cap, a drainage layer,
and a vegetative layer of at least 0.30 m thick. If the
thickness of the equivalent final cap makes the entire cover
system less than 1.5 m thick, the deficiency shall be made
up by increasing the thickness of the foundation layer.
5. Strict liner and final cap construction quality assurance
(CQA) and testing shall be performed by a third party
experienced in earthwork, clay and geosynthetic liner
installation, quality assurance supervision, testing and
inspection. The lead CQA person, as a minimum
qualification or experience, must have supervised the
installation of at least 100,0000 square meters each of clay
and geosynthetic liner system; the CQA person or firm
shall submit a construction completion report within 60
days of liner or final cap construction completion to the
Department, certifying that construction of each liner
system was performed and completed in accordance with
its plans and specifications. The CQA report shall be
certified by a registered Civil or Geotechnical Engineer or
other registered Engineer, provided that the certifying
Engineer shall have at least designed or supervised the
installation of soil and geosynthetic liners of quantities
similar to those of the lead CQA person.

n) The design of the landfill shall be statistically stable and shall

be able to withstand the effects of a ground acceleration
generated by an earthquake of 100-year or more recurrence
interval.
o) A separation of at least two (2.0) meters shall be maintained
between the top of the liner system and underlying
groundwater.

p) A temporary impoundment for drainage runoff shall be

provided with a detention time sufficient for sediment removal
and/or reduction, prior to its discharge.
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q) The site shall be large enough to accommodate the
community’s waste for a period of five (5) years or more
during which people must internalize the value of
environmentally sound and sustainable waste disposal.

r) The site chosen shall facilitate developing a landfill that will

satisfy budgetary constraints, including site development,
operation for many years, closure and post-closure care and
possible remediation costs.

s) Operating plans shall include provisions for coordinating with

recycling and resource recovery projects.

t) Designation of a separate containment area for household

hazardous wastes.

u) A gas control system shall be provided when the volume of

waste in the landfill has reached 0.5 million metric tons. The
owner/operator shall consider recovery and conversion of
methane gas into usable energy if economically viable. Prior
to installation of gas control facilities, perimeter boundary gas
monitoring shall be performed in accordance with Section 2(b)
of Rule XIV.

v) Groundwater monitoring wells shall be placed at appropriate

locations and depth for taking water samples that are
representative of groundwater quality and for predicting
groundwater flow.

w) Cover shall consist of a daily soil cover at least 6 inches in

thickness applied at the end of each workday. Alternative
Daily Cover (ADC), maybe used provided that the
owner/operator can demonstrate to the Department in writing,
the equivalency of the proposed ADC in controlling
infiltration, vector, odor and litter based on technical research
or studies. In areas within the landfill that will not be used for
at least 180 days, an additional interim soil cover of 6 inches
thick shall be placed over the existing daily cover. The final
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 cover shall consist of, from bottom to top, the foundation layer
(consisting of 0.60m thick soil layer including interim cover), a
final cap with an equivalent permeability as that of its liner
system. A drainage layer and a vegetative layer. Installation of
final cover shall be completed within sic (6) months from the
last receipt of waste.

x) Closure of the landfill shall be completed within one year of

cessation of landfill operation.

y) Post-closure care shall be for a period of fifteen (15) years.

DENR shall establish post-closure guidelines and requirements
for financial assurance mechanisms within one year.

z) Small facility exemption from specific standards of this

Section. The DENR will establish criteria for exemption
within one (1) year from approval of the IRR.

aa) All technical reports, technical documents, plans and

specifications pertaining to the engineering of the facility shall
be certified and sealed by a licensed Engineer with relevant
experience and expertise.

Section 2. Minimum Considerations for Operating Sanitary

Landfills

In the operation of sanitary landfills, each site operator shall

maintain the following minimum operating requirements:

a) Disposal site records of, but not limited to:

1. Records of weights or volumes accepted in a form and

manner approved by the Department. Such records shall be
submitted to the Department upon request, accurate to
within ten percent (10%) and adequate for overall planning
purposes and forecasting the rate of site filling;

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 2. Records of excavations which may affect the safe and
proper operation of the site or cause damage to adjoining
properties;
3. Daily logbook or file of the following information: fire,
landslides, earthquake damage, unusual and sudden
settlement, injury and property damage, accidents,
explosions, receipt or rejection of non-permitted wastes,
flooding and other unusual occurrences;
4. Record of personnel training; and
5. Copy of written notification to the Department, local health
agency, and fire authority of names, addresses and
telephone numbers of the operator or responsible party of
the site.

b) Water quality monitoring of surface and ground waters and

effluent, and gas emissions shall be performed in frequencies
prescribed by the Department on a project by project basis;
Parameters for groundwater, effluent and surface waters shall
be as prescribed by the Department in the facility’s permit. For
landfills sited under Section 1m of Rule XIV of this IRR,
groundwater, perimeter gas monitoring and receiving surface
water monitoring shall be on a quarterly basis and treated
leachate effluent discharge shall be monitored for pH, 5-day
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) and Total Suspended
Solids (TSS) concentrations on a weekly basis or when
discharged if discharge is not on a daily basis, and shall not
exceed limits prescribed by the Department according to the
classification of the receiving body of water. Other parameters
to be monitored and their respective frequencies shall be in
accordance with the facility’s permit. Owners/Operators of
Section 1m of Rule XIV facilities shall submit monitoring and
inspection reports on a quarterly basis to the designated
enforcement authority with a copy furnished to the Department
and other relevant agencies. The report shall be certified as to
its correctness and accuracy by the owner/operator or his
designated (in writing) representative. For other facilities,
reporting frequencies shall be specified by the Department but

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 in no case will it be more frequent than quarterly basis unless
the facility is in a state of verification/assessment monitoring.

c) Groundwater Sampling Protocol – The DENR shall establish

requirements and guidelines within one year from approval of
this IRR.

d) Background Groundwater Quality Monitoring Statistical Data

Evaluation and Establishment of Concentration Limits for
Contaminant Indicators – The DENR shall establish
requirements and guidelines within one year from approval of
IRR.

e) Detection Groundwater Monitoring Data Statistical Analysis,

Verification Monitoring – The DENR shall establish
requirements and guidelines within one year from approval of
IRR.

f) Assessment Monitoring and Corrective Action – The DENR

shall establish requirements and guidelines within one year
from approval of IRR.
g) Documentation of approvals, all reports, certification, plans
and specifications, as built drawings, determinations and other
requirements by the Department and other pertinent and
relevant documents shall be kept in the facility’s operating
record.

h) Signs:

1. Each point of access from a public road shall be posted

with an easily visible sign indicating the facility name and
other pertinent information as required by the Department;
2. If the site is open to the public, there shall be an easily
visible sign at the primary entrance of the site indicating the
name of the site operator, the operator’s telephone number
and hours of operation; and easily visible sign at an
appropriate point shall indicate the schedule of charges and

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 the general types of materials which will be accepted or
not;
3. If the site is open to the public, there shall be an easily
visible road sign and/or traffic control measures which
direct traffic to the active face and other areas where wastes
or recyclable materials will be deposited; and
4. Additional signs and/or measures may be required at a
disposal site by the Department to protect personnel and
public health and safety.

i) The site shall be designed to discourage unauthorized access by

persons and vehicles by using a perimeter barrier or
topographic constraints. Areas within the site where open
storage or ponding of hazardous materials occurs shall be
separately fenced or otherwise secured as determined by the
Department. The Department may also require that other areas
of the site to be fenced to create an appropriate level of
security.

j) Roads within the permitted facility boundary shall be designed

to minimize the generation of dust and the tracking of materials
onto adjacent public roads. Such roads shall be kept in safe
condition and maintained such that vehicle access and
unloading can be conducted during inclement weather.

k) Sanitary facilities consisting of adequate number of toilets and

handwashing facilities shall be available to personnel at or in
the immediate vicinity of the site.

l) Safe and adequate drinking water supply for the site personnel
shall be available.

m) The site shall have communication facilities available to site

personnel to allow quick response to emergencies.

n) Where operations are conducted during hours of darkness, the

site and/or equipment shall be equipped with adequate lighting

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 as approved by the Department to ensure safety and to monitor
the effectiveness of operations.

o) Operating and maintenance personnel shall wear and use

appropriate safety equipment as required by the Department.

p) Personnel assigned to operate the site shall be adequately

trained in subject pertinent to the site operation and
maintenance, hazardous materials recognition and screening
and heavy equipment operations, with emphasis on safety,
health, environmental controls and emergency procedures. A
record of such training shall be placed in the operating record.

q) The site operator shall provide adequate supervision of a

sufficient number of qualified personnel to ensure proper
operation of the site in compliance with all applicable laws,
regulations, permit conditions and other requirements. The
operator shall notify the Department and local health agency in
writing of the names, addresses, and telephone number of the
operator or responsible party. A copy of the written
notification shall be placed in the operating record.

r) Any disposal site open to the public shall have an attendant

present during public operating hours or the site shall be
inspected by the operator on a regularly scheduled basis, as
determined by the Department.

s) Unloading of solid wastes shall be confined to a small area as

possible to accommodate the number of vehicles using the area
without resulting in traffic, personnel, or public safety hazards.
Waste materials shall normally be deposited at the toe of the
fill, or as otherwise approved by the Department. For practical
purposes, a working area shall be limited to 1.5 square meter or
less per ton/day (tpd) of waste received on a daily basis, e.g. 30
sqm working area for a 20 tpd facility.

t) Solid waste shall be spread and compacted in layers with

repeated passages of the landfill equipment to minimize voids
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 within the cell and maximize compaction. The loose layer
shall not exceed a depth approximately 0.60 m or two feet
before compaction. Spreading and compacting shall be
accomplished as rapidly as practicable, unless otherwise
approved by the Department.

u) Covered surfaces of the disposal area shall be graded to

promote lateral runoff of precipitation and to prevent ponding.
Grades shall be established of sufficient slopes to accost for
future settlement of the fill surface. Other effective
maintenance methods may be allowed by the Department.

v) Cover material or native material unsuitable for cover,

stockpiled on the site for use or removal, shall be placed so as
not to cause problems or interfere with unloading, spreading,
compacting, access, safety, drainage or other operations.

PART IV SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

FINANCING, INCENTIVES AND COST RECOVERY

RULE XV. FINANCING OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

INITIATIVES

Section 1. National Solid Waste Management Fund

There is hereby established a National Solid Waste Management

Fund (SWMF), also known as the Fund which shall be a special
account in the National Treasury, and administered by the
Commission. The fund shall be a catalytic fund which shall
initiate bigger and wider SWM engagements in the future. LGUs
may avail of the Fund and accordingly, the Commission shall
develop the scheme or guidelines for the Fund administration.
Reporting on the status of such Fund shall be transparent and shall
be annually published by the Commission in collaboration with the
Commission on Audit, four (4) months after the end of each fiscal
year.

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Section 2. Sources and Use of the National SWM Fund

The Fund shall be sourced from the following:

a) Donations, endowments, grants and contributions from

domestic and foreign sources.
b) Amounts specifically appropriated for the Fund under the
annual General Appropriations Act.
c) Fines collected under Sec. 49 of the Act shall be allocated
based on a sharing scheme between the Fund and the LGU
concerned which shall be formulated by the Commission.

The Fund shall be used to support endeavors, which enhance the

implementation of the Act. These shall include activities on the
following:

a) Products, facilities, technologies and processes to enhance

proper solid waste management
b) Awards
c) Incentives
d) Research programs
e) Information, education, communication and monitoring
activities
f) Technical assistance
g) Capability building activities

Section 3. Criteria for Availing the National SWM Fund

Subject to the availability of funds, the Fund may be made

available to the SWM project/activities of LGUs on the basis of a
set of criteria formulated through a consultative process, duly
published and copied to all LGUs. Such criteria shall be reviewed
and updated as necessary. Henceforth, the criteria for availment of
the Fund shall include but not be limited to the list as follows:

a) The SWM Plan of the proponent LGU from which the

project/activity was designed has been duly approved by the
Commission.
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b) Funding request for project/activity does not exceed
PHP1,500,000; provided however, the Commission Secretariat
shall review the funding level every three years. Only one (1)
project/activity per LGU shall be eligible for support.
c) Project/activity types under the following categories shall be
considered:

1. SWM projects which shall catalyze investment from the

private sector and/or other investors
2. Innovative SWM approaches
3. Prototyping SWM models

d) The LGU may avail of the SWM Fund once in every three (3)
years, but not for the same project/activity

e) The LGU does not have another outside fund source for SWM
tasks.

f) The LGU is committed to put in counterpart funds, the

computation of which shall be provided by the Commission
Secretariat per LGU classification.

g) The process for Fund availment is completed.

Section 4. Process for Availing the National SWM Fund

The Commission through the Secretariat shall prescribe a simple

procedure and proforma for fund application. The Commission
shall strive for a decentralized system of accepting, appraising and
approving of proposals. Furthermore, report proforma as well as
procedures for the handling of government fund shall be provided
by the Commission. In general, the availment process shall start
from the submission of a project/activity concept drawn from the
SWM plan. Once the concept proposal is approved, the LGU shall
submit a detailed version of the proposal for review and final
decision by the Commission. Subject to a more detailed

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procedural guideline to be issued by the Commission the general
process is described in Appendix B of these IRR.

In no case shall the Fund be used for the creation of positions or

payment of salaries and wages.

Section 5. Establishment of Local SWM Fund

Barangay councils may issue council resolutions to establish

ordinances for the creation of a Local Solid Waste Management
Fund (also known as the Local Fund), pursuant to the relevant
provisions of RA 7160. Funds for the Local fund shall be derived
from the LGU collection of fines. The ordinance may vest
authority in the Local SWM Board of every LGU to administer the
Local Fund as a special account of the LGU, and to develop
pertinent guidelines on the management of the Local Fund.

In the case of clustered LGUs, a governing Memorandum of

Agreement of the cluster may be created in addition to ordinances,
stipulating that the Local SWM Cluster Board shall administer the
Local Fund. Moreover, stipulating that the Local SWM Cluster
Board shall develop schemes to sustain the Local Fund including
resource generating ventures and placing appropriate monies as
Trust.

The ordinance may stipulate that reporting on the status of the

Local Fund be transparent and that a report be issued annually, to
the Commission or other relevant authority, by the LGU in
collaboration with the Commission on Audit four (4) months after
the end of each fiscal year. The Local SWM Cluster Board may
conduct the same process of reporting. Further, the ordinance may
include, however, shall not be limited to the following provisions:

Section 6. Sources and Use of the Local SWM Fund

Funds that will constitute the Local SWM Fund can be sourced
from the following:

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a) Donations, endowments, grants and contributions from
domestic and foreign sources.
b) LGU allocation of fines collected.
c) Fees collected from provision of solid waste services such as
collection, recycling, and transport among others.
d) Sub-contracting fees including management, transport and
others, as stipulated in the contract or Memorandum of
Agreement as in the case of private sector’s and civil society’s
engagement of SWM services, respectively.
e) LGU may allocate fund from the 20% Development Fund for
waste management.

The Local Fund may be used to support endeavors, which enhance

the implementation of the Act. These may include
activities/projects on the following:

a) Products, facilities, technologies and processes to enhance

proper solid waste management
b) Research activities
c) Information, education, communication and monitoring
activities
d) Capability building activities

Section 7. Criteria for Accessing the Local Fund

a) The proposed project/activity be based on the approved SWM

Plan(s) of the LGU or the cluster of LGUs.
b) The level of funding request for a project/activity shall be
determined by the Local SWM Board/Local SWM Cluster
Board. Only one (1) project per LGU, private sector or civil
society group in a locality, respectively, shall be eligible for
support.
c) Project/activity types under the following categories may be
considered:

1. SWM projects which catalyze investment from the private

sector and/or other investors
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 2. Innovative SWM approaches
3. Prototyping SWM models

d) A proponent may avail of the Local Fund once in every three

(3) years, however, not for the same project/activity. Private
sector and civil society groups shall be accredited by the Local
SWM Board/Local SWM Cluster Board, and the process shall
be defined by the respective boards.
e) The process for the availment of funds be completed.

Section 8. Process for Availing the Local Fund

The Local SWM Board/Local SWM Cluster Board shall prescribe

a simple procedure and proforma for fund application. An
efficient system of accepting, appraising and approving of
proposals shall be established by the respective boards.
Furthermore, report proforma as well as procedures for the
handling of government funds, shall be provided by the boards. In
general, the availment process shall start from the submission of a
project/activity concept drawn from the SWM plan. Once the
concept proposal is approved, the proponent shall submit a detailed
version of the proposal for review and final decision by the board.
Subject to a detailed guideline which the respective Local SWM
Boards will promulgate, the general process is described in
Appendix C.

In no case shall the Community Fund be used for the creation of

positions or payment of salaries.

RULE XVI INCENTIVES

Section 1. Incentives

Incentives shall be provided for the purpose of encouraging LGUs,

enterprises, private sector and civil society to develop or undertake
socially acceptable, effective and efficient solid waste
management, and/or to actively participate in any program for the

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promotion thereof, as provided for in the Act, and these IRRs. The
incentives may be fiscal including duties, taxes, interest rates or
non-fiscal, including simplified bureaucratic procedures and
reduced paper requirements.

a) Rewards - shall be provided to LGUs, individuals, private

organizations and entities, including non-government
organizations, that have undertaken outstanding and innovative
projects, technologies, processes and techniques or activities in
re-use, recycling and reduction. The reward shall be
appropriately sourced from the Fund.

A set of standards for innovativeness, proactivity, exemplary

and outstanding SWM endeavors shall be formulated by the
Commission and localized by the Local SWM Boards. There
may be a variety of criteria for granting rewards, including
though not limited to, the following categories:

1. For LGUs who initiate policy reform on SWM, principally

by including co-management and the decentralization of
authority to conceptualize, support and implement SWM
development projects.
2. For LGUs using methodologies which substantively reduce
the generation of wastes and which thereby exceed the 25%
waste diversion goal.
3. For LGUs with comprehensive SWM prototypes which
have undergone professional evaluation as matured models
on SWM with complete coverage on the sustainable
development requisites like the social, economic, cultural,
political, technological, institutional and ecological
dimensions.
4. For LGUs using alternative indigenous processes,
materials, technologies and approaches which have been
exhaustively screened for social acceptability, efficiency
and effectivity.
5. For LGUs hosting SWM facilities. The Commission shall
promulgate within one (1) year following the effectivity of
these IRR specific guidelines that will provide specific
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 incentives, aside from giving grants and other financial
assistance packages, to LGUs hosting or offering to host
SWM facilities. The principle by which this package of
incentive is designed resolves round the recognition of
paying for the access granted to the present and future use
of resources that are within the localities. The set of
incentives may include, among others, targeting subsidies
for specific use of resources like water and power; plowing
back certain percentage of the profits generated from the
facility to support development initiatives of the LGUs or
payment of royalties for continued operation of the
facilities. The Commission shall task DENR to undertake
a study that will look into the specific aspects of these
incentives and present to the public within a year the results
of the said study.

The rewards may be monetized or non- monetized depending

on the valuation of the awarding body, in this case, the
Commission and Local SWM Boards. The manner of selection
for the awardees shall be transparent and public.

b) Grants -Under the Fund, the provinces, cities and

municipalities with Commission approved SWM Plans, shall
be entitled to receive project/activity grants for a range of
SWM endeavors.

c) Fiscal Incentives - A Committee on Fiscal Incentives for SWM

Projects and Initiatives (CFI) may be established by the
Commission. Committee members may serve a fixed 3-year
term. The CFI may be chaired by the DOF and co-chaired by
the DTI, and its members constituted by the chairpersons. The
organizational protocol of the committee may be formulated by
the committee members, but duly approved by the chair of the
Commission. This committee may be responsible for
providing the technical basis for the fiscal incentives, design
proposals, review and for setting the required standards and
processes to avail of these fiscal incentives. The procedures
for availment of incentives under EO 226 shall be followed.
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Existing Environment-Friendly Establishment. The
Commission may provide monetary and non-monetary
incentives to existing businesses and industries that have been
professionally evaluated to engage in socially acceptable,
effective and efficient recycling of wastes. The Commission
shall formulate the criteria in awarding these incentives such
as:

1. Tax and Duty Exemption on Imported Capital Equipment

and Vehicles

Within ten (10) years upon effectivity of this Act, LGUs,

enterprises or private entities shall enjoy tax and duty-free
importation of machinery, equipment, vehicles and spare
parts used for collection and processing of solid wastes.
Provided, that the importation of such machinery,
equipment, vehicle and spare parts shall comply with the
following conditions:

i. They are not manufactured domestically in sufficient

quantity, of comparable quality and at reasonable
prices;
ii. They are reasonably needed and will be used actually,
directly and exclusively for the above mentioned
activities; and
iii. The approval of the Board of investment (BOI) of the
DTI for the importation of such machinery, equipment,
vehicle and spare parts.

Provided further that, the sale, transfer or disposition of

such machinery, equipment, vehicle and spare parts,
without prior approval of the BOI, within five (5) years
from the date of acquisition shall be prohibited, otherwise,
the LGU concerned, enterprises or private entities and the
vendee, transferee or assignee shall be liable to pay twice
the amount of tax and duty exemption given it.

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2. Tax Credit on Domestic Capital Equipment

Within ten (10) years from the effectivity of the Act, a tax
credit equivalent to 50% of the value of the national
internal revenue taxes and customs duties that would have
been waived on the machinery, equipment, private entities,
including NGOs, subject to the same conditions and
prohibition.

3. Tax and Duty Exemption of Donations, Legacies and Gift.

All legacies, gifts and donations to LGUs, enterprises or

private entities, including NGOs, for the support and
maintenance of the program for socially acceptable,
effective and efficient solid waste management shall be
exempt from all internal revenue taxes and customs duties,
and shall be deductible in full from the gross income of the
donor for income tax purposes. The standard procedures
for such exemptions are contained in the Tariff and
Customs Code, Section 105-106.

4. Financial Assistance Program

Government financial institutions such as the Development

Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Landbank of the
Philippines (LBP), Philippine National Bank (PNB),
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and such
other government institutions providing financial services
shall, in accordance with and to the extent allowed by the
enabling provisions of their respective charters or
applicable laws, accord high priority to extend financial
services to individuals, enterprises, or private entities
engaged in solid waste management. These services maybe
in the form of, but are not limited to the list as below:

i. Provision of technical assistance to prospective SWM

project proponents
ii. Special interest rates
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 iii. Collateral for loans
iv. Grace period of loans

d) Non-Fiscal Incentives - LGUs/Authorities, enterprises or

private entities shall also be entitled to applicable non-fiscal
incentives formerly provided for under E.O. 226, otherwise
known as the Omnibus Investments Code.

1. Enhanced Procedure for Importation

The Commission shall define a simplified and more

efficient process for the importation of equipment, spare
parts, new materials and supplies; provided the process is in
accordance with the existing custom standards.

2. Enhanced Procedure for Exportation

An enhanced procedure to export locally processed products

from SWM projects shall be established by the
Commission. Similarly, the Commission shall develop
export standards for SWM processed products.

3. Enhanced Certification, Permitting and Licensing Processes

The Commission through the Department shall provide

support to SWM projects requiring an ECC. It shall
thereby hasten the EIA process by formulating a guideline
for the specific procedure of EIA for SWM projects.
Similarly, the Local SWM Boards/Local SWM Cluster
Boards shall establish simplified and efficient procedure for
permitting and licensing functions.

4. Knowledge and Skills Exchange

The Commission, Local SWM Boards and Local SWM

Cluster Boards shall provide cross study visits in-country
and outside the country, in order to model SWM projects.
The travel requirements and process shall be established by
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 the Commission in accordance with existing governmental
procedures.

5. Employment of Foreign Nationals

Pursuant to the relevant provisions of EO 226, procedures

for an enhanced processing of the employment of foreign
nationals shall be hereafter followed.

e) Private Sector Participation - Essentially, contractual

arrangement is envisaged to be entered into by a Local SWM
Board/Local SWM Cluster Board. This provides authority for
the private sector to finance, construct, operate and maintain a
facility and, in the process, to charge user fees or receive
compensation. The Commission shall further define the
guidelines for the private sector engagement.

The choice of the participation mode may vary from any of the
scheme authorized under the BOT Law, RA 6957, as amended
by RA 7718 and its implementing Rules and Regulations or
joint venture arrangement allowed under the Local
Government Code, RA 7160, as well as other private sector
funded arrangements.

The following rights may be bestowed on the private sector

proponent:

1. To operate the facility over a fixed period, not to exceed 50

years;
2. To charge facility user fees, tolls, rentals or share in the
revenue of the project; and
3. To recover capital, operating and maintenance expenses
and earn a reasonable return on investment.

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 RULE XVII. COST RECOVERY MECAHNISMS

Section 1. Power to Collect Solid Waste Management Fees

The Local SWM Board/Local SWM Cluster Board shall impose

fees on the SWM services provided for by the LGU and/or any
authorized organization or unit. In determining the amounts of the
fees, a Local SWM Board/Local SWM Cluster Board shall include
only those costs directly related to the adoption and
implementation of the SWM Plan and the setting and collection of
the local fees. This power to impose fees may be ceded to the
private sector and civil society groups which have been duly
accredited by the Local SWM Board/Local SWM Cluster Board;
provided, the SWM fees shall be covered by a Contract or
Memorandum of Agreement between the respective board and the
private sector or civil society group.

The fees shall pay for the costs of preparing, adopting and
implementing a SWM Plan prepared pursuant to the Act. Further,
the fees shall also be used to pay the actual costs incurred in
collecting the local fees and for project sustainability.

Section 2. Basis of SWM Service Fees

Reasonable SWM service fees shall be computed based on but not

limited to the following minimum factors:

a) Types of solid waste to include special waste

b) amount/volume of waste
c) distance of the transfer station to the waste management
facility
d) capacity or type of LGU constituency
e) cost of construction
f) cost of management
g) type of technology

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Section 3. Collection of Fees

Fees may be collected corresponding to the following levels:

a) Barangay - The Barangay may impose fees for collection and

segregation of biodegradable, compostable and reusable wastes
from households, commerce, other sources of domestic wastes,
and for the use of Barangay MRFs. The computation of the
fees shall be established by the respective SWM boards. The
manner of collection of the fees shall be dependent on the style
of administration of respective Barangay Councils. However,
all transactions shall follow the Commission on Audit rules on
collection of fees.

b) Municipality - The municipal and city councils may impose

fees on the barangay MRFs for the collection and transport of
non-recyclable and special wastes and for the disposal of these
into the sanitary landfill. The level and procedure for exacting
fees shall be defined by the Local SWM Board/Local SWM
Cluster Board and supported by LGU ordinances, however,
payments shall be consistent with the accounting system of
government.

c) Private Sector/Civil Society Group - On the basis of the

stipulations of contract or Memorandum of Agreement, the
private sector or civil society group shall impose fees for
collection, transport and tipping in their SLFs. Receipts and
invoices shall be issued to the paying public or to the
government.

Section 4. Collection and Retention of Fines

The collection of fines under the penal provisions of the Act may
be conducted by the Local SWM Board/Local SWM Cluster Board
or any other authorized body. The collection shall be receipted.
Alternatively, the Local SWM Board/Local SWM Cluster Board
and/or any duly authorized body shall retain the 40% portion of the
collected fees from fines and remit 60% of the same to the Fund, as
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prescribed herein. Thereafter, the retained percentage is deposited
under the Local Fund, the procedure for which shall be defined by
the Local SWM Board/Local SWM Cluster Board.

Section 5. Special Account

The Local SWM Board/Local SWM Cluster Board shall establish

appropriate special accounts for the fines, fees, donations and other
monies collected or generated under the Act and this IRR.

PART V. PROHIBITED ACTS, PENALITIES AND SUITS

RULE XVIII PENAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Prohibited Acts

The following acts are prohibited:

a) Littering, throwing, dumping of waste matters in public places,

such as roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros or parks, and
establishment, or causing or permitting the same;
b) Undertaking activities or operating, collecting or transporting
equipment in violation of sanitation operation and other
requirements or permits set forth in or established pursuant to
the Act;
c) The open burning of solid waste;
d) Causing or permitting the collection of non-segregated or
unsorted waste;
e) Squatting in open dumps and landfills;
f) Open dumping, burying of biodegradable or non-biodegradable
materials in flood-prone areas;
g) Unauthorized removal of recyclable material intended for
collection by authorized persons;
h) The mixing of source-separated recyclable material with other
solid waste in any vehicle, box, container or receptacle used in
solid waste collection or disposal;

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i) Establishment or operation of open dumps as enjoined in the
Act, or closure of said dumps in violation of Sec. 37 of the Act;
j) The manufacture, distribution or use of non-environmentally
acceptable packaging materials;
k) Importation of consumer products packaged in non-
environmentally acceptable materials;
l) Importation of toxic wastes misrepresented as “recyclable” or
“with recyclable content”;
m) Transport and dumping in bulk of collected domestic,
industrial, commercial and institutional wastes in areas other
than centers of facilities prescribed under the Act;
n) Site preparation, construction, expansion or operation of waste
management facilities without an Environmental Compliance
Certificate required pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1586
and the Act and not conforming with the land use plan of the
LGU;
o) The construction of any establishment within two hundred
(200) meters from open dump or controlled dumps or sanitary
landfills; and
p) The construction or operation of landfills or any waste disposal
facility on any aquifer, groundwater reservoir or watershed
area and/or any portion thereof.

The Commission may also issue further guidelines that consider

existing and relevant laws and regulations, and which may further
define the scope and coverage of the above prohibited acts.

Section 2. Specific Prohibition Against the Use of Open

Dumps for Solid Waste.

No open dumps shall be established and operated, nor any practice

or disposal of solid waste by any person, including LGUs, which
constitutes the use of open dumps for solid waste, be allowed after
the effectivity of the Act; Provided, that within three (3) years after
the effectivity of the Act, every LGU shall convert its open dumps
into controlled dumps; Provided, further, that no controlled dumps
shall be allowed five (5) years following effectivity of the Act. In

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order to facilitate the Act’s requirement that LGUs convert their
open dumps into controlled dumps, the Commission, shall direct
the Department in collaboration with DILG, to formulate a staged-
compliance program. The staged compliance program shall
consider but not be limited to respective LGU classification and
abilities to immediately comply with Section 41 of the Act. It shall
also establish its base line from the inventory of all open dumpsites
in the country, which must be completed not more than three (3)
months following effectivity of these Rules and Regulations.

Section 3. Fines and Penalties

The following schedule of fines and penalties shall be imposed,

upon conviction:

SPECIFIC VIOLATIONS FINES PENALTIES

(under Section 49 of the
Act)
Paragraph 1. Littering, Payment in the Rendering of community
throwing, dumping of waste amounts not less service for not less than
matters in public places, such than Three one (1) day to not more
as roads, sidewalks, canals, hundred pesos than fifteen (15) days to
esteros or parks, and (P300.000) but an LGU where such
establishment, or causing or not more than prohibited acts are
permitting the same One thousand committed or both
pesos
(P1,000.00) or
Para 2. Undertaking Payment in the Imprisonment of not less
activities or operating, amounts not less than one (1) day to not
collecting or transporting than Three more than fifteen (15)
equipment in violation of hundred pesos days or both
sanitation operation and other (P300.000) but
requirements or permits set not more than
forth in or established One thousand
pursuant to the Act pesos
(P1,000.00) or
Para 3. The open burning of
solid waste

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 SPECIFIC VIOLATIONS FINES PENALTIES
(under Section 49 of the
Act)
Para 4. Causing or permitting Payment in the Imprisonment of not less
the collection of non- amounts not less than fifteen (15) days to
segregated or unsorted waste than One not more than six (6)
thousand pesos months or both
Para 5. Squatting in open (P1,000.00) but
dumps and landfills not more than
Three thousand
Para 6. Open dumping, pesos
burying of biodegradable or (P3,000.00) or
non-biodegradable materials
in flood-prone areas

Para 7. Unauthorized
removal of recyclable
material intended for
collection by authorized
persons
Para 8. The mixing of
source-separated recyclable
material with other solid
waste in any vehicle, box,
container or receptacle used
in solid waste collection or
disposal
Para 9. Establishment or
operation of open dumps as
enjoined in the Act, or
closure of said dumps in
violation of Sec. 37 of the
Act
For the first time, The additional penalty of
shall pay a fine imprisonment of a
of Five hundred minimum period of one
thousand pesos (1) year, but not to exceed
(P500,000.00) three (3) years at the
plus an amount discretion of the court,
not less than five shall be imposed for
percent (5%) but second or subsequent
not more than violations of Sec. 48 of
ten percent the Act, paragraphs (9)
(10%) of his net and (10)
annual income
during the
previous year

Para 10. The manufacture,

distribution or use of non-
environmentally acceptable
packaging materials

Para 11. Importation of

consumer products packaged
in non-environmentally
acceptable materials

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 SPECIFIC VIOLATIONS FINES PENALTIES
(under Section 49 of the
Act)
Para 12. Importation of toxic Payment in the Imprisonment of not less
wastes misrepresented as amounts not less than thirty (30) days but
“recyclable” or “with than Ten not more than three (3)
recyclable content” thousand pesos years, or both
(P10,000.00) but
Para 13. Transport and not more than
dumping in bulk of collected Two hundred
domestic, industrial, thousand pesos
commercial and institutional (P200,000.00) or
wastes in areas other than
centers of facilities prescribed
under the Act
Para 14. Site preparation, Payment in the Imprisonment of not less
construction, expansion or amounts not less than one (1) year but not
operation of waste than One more than six (6) years, or
management facilities hundred both
without an Environmental thousand pesos
Compliance Certificate (P100,000.00)
required pursuant to but not more
Presidential Decree No. 1586 than One million
and the Act and not pesos
conforming with the land use (P1,000,000.00)
plan of the LGU or

Para 15. The construction of

any establishment within two
hundred (200) meters from
open dump or controlled
dumps or sanitary landfills

Para 16. The construction or

operation of landfills or any
waste disposal facility on any
aquifer, groundwater
reservoir or watershed area
and/or any portion thereof.

If the offense is committed by a corporation, partnership, or other

juridical entity duly organized in accordance with law, the chief
executive officer, president, general manager, managing partner or

320
such other officer-in-charge shall be liable for the commission of
the offense penalized under the Act.

If the offender is an alien, he shall, after service of the sentence

prescribed above, be deported without further administrative
proceedings.

The fines herein prescribed shall be increased by at least ten

percent (10%) every three (3) years to compensate for inflation and
to maintain the deterrent function of such fines.

RULE XIX
ADMINISTRATIVE AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES

Section 1. Proceedings

In the enforcement of the Act and this IRR, both criminal and
administrative proceedings may be instituted.

Section 2. Criminal Actions

Violators of Section 48 of the Act shall be subject to criminal

proceedings, pursuant to the relevant provisions of the revised
rules on criminal procedure.
Section 3. Enforcement Mechanism

The Commission shall define the roles of the Department, other

concerned agencies, LGUs and any other agency deemed
responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Act and
its IRRs. It shall also promulgate detailed procedures and
protocols for such implementation and enforcement of the Act and
its IRRs at the Commission and local governmental level.

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Section 4. Enforcement at the Local Government Level

LGUs shall be required to legislate appropriate ordinances to aid in

the implementation of the Act and in the enforcement of its
provisions. Specific measures to implement and enforce Section
48 of the Act should be included; Provided, such ordinances shall
be formulated pursuant to relevant provisions of RA 7160;
provided further, that the Commission shall aid LGUs in this
process particularly by giving advisory assistance. For this
purpose, a pro forma ordinance shall be established by the
Commission for the guidance of LGUs. However, LGUs shall not
be limited to this pro forma nor shall it prejudice any further
improvement, modifications and revisions LGUs may chose to
undertake of the pro forma.

Section 5. Deputization of Solid Waste Management

Officers

The Commission shall be authorized to deputize persons,

individuals or entities to be Solid Waste Management Officer,
giving them authority to effect the arrest of violators in
accordance with the law, for purposes of enforcing and
implementing the Act, its IRRs and other rules and regulations
governing solid waste management. Provided however, that no
person is deputized until they have completed the necessary
training and capacity building, required by the NEC, for the
effective implementation of the Act and its IRRs.

The deputization shall be upon the recommendations of the

Provincial Solid Waste Management Board and City/Municipal
Solid Waste Management Boards. The Commission shall deputize
only those persons of known integrity and probity, who have
completed the aforementioned training and capacity building of the
National Ecology Center. Further, the Commission shall formulate
the necessary guidelines for the protocol and procedures for
deputization within six (6) months following the effectivity of
these Rules and Regulations.

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Section 6. Enforcement by the Commission

The Commission shall provide a mechanism whereby, any citizen,

LGU or concerned agency may file an action/complaint directly
with the Secretariat and concurrently with any other appropriate
legal proceeding.

Section 7. Actions and Procedures

The following sets of general procedures shall guide the

administration of actions until such time as the Commission shall
issue more detailed guidelines and procedures for the
administration of enforcement.

a) Commencement of Actions -Actions may be instituted for

violations of any of the prohibited acts under the Act of these
Rules and Regulations, and/or any further orders issued by the
aforementioned agencies under the enforcement mechanism
section of the IRRs.

Actions shall be commenced by any person filing a written

complaint, or by the Department on its own initiative, or by the
filing of a charge by any deputized agent of the Department,
Commission or the LGU, before the court hearing officer.

However, the commencement of such an action shall be

without prejudice to the right of any individual or affected
person to file any other appropriate legal action for the
violation of the Act, its IRRs and/or any further orders issued
by the aforementioned concerned agencies.

The LGU ordinance shall prescribe the rules and procedures

for the commencement of an action/complaint at the local
level.

b) Charge Sheets - For actions initiated by the respective LGUs,

the filing of charge sheets shall be in accordance with the rules
and procedures prescribed by relevant ordinances and pursuant
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 to the relevant provisions of RA 7160. Actions initiated by and
for the Department shall follow the existing rules and
procedures of the Agency. The charge sheet shall be in writing
and drawn in clear and concise language. It shall recite the
ultimate facts constituting the cause(s) of action and/or the
violations committed under the Act and/or these Implementing
Rules and Regulations, as well as all information pertinent
thereto and shall be duly signed by the apprehending officer.
The charge sheet shall include a notice requiring the
Respondent to appear and answer the charge, and specify the
date, time and place indicated therein which shall not be less
than fifteen (15) days nor more than thirty (30) days from
receipt hereof.

c) Filing and Service of Charge Sheet/Complaint - The charge

sheet shall be filed in two (2) copies before the secretariat.
Upon the receipt of the charge sheet and/or a complaint, the
secretariat shall determine the appropriate agency, to which the
charge sheet and/ or complaint may be remitted.

d) Hearing -Designated hearing officers of the appropriate

agencies, to which the charge sheet/complaint is remitted, shall
regard both the validity of the action/complaint and the
appropriate authority, to which the charge sheet should proceed
and be determined and shall make recommendations, thereto.

Hearing officers shall be appointed and undertake their

responsibilities pursuant to the guidelines and criteria of their
existing agency.

Department Secretaries shall be responsible for undertaking the

appropriate action regarding the action/complaint, once the
secretariat has determined that it should proceed to his/her
particular agency. Existing agency procedures shall apply
where appropriate, including both administrative and criminal
procedure.

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e) Nature and Procedure - Subject to the basic requirements of
due process, the proceedings herein provided shall be summary
in nature. The technical rules of evidence obtaining in courts of
law shall not bind the designated adjudicating unit for LGUs or
of the Department as the case maybe. Similarly the rules of the
Court shall not apply in proceedings before the adjudicating
unit except in a supplementary character and only whenever
applicable.

Section 8. Closure or Suspension of Operations of Solid

Waste Management Facilities

The Department shall have the authority to order the closure or

suspension of developments, construction or operation of solid
waste management facilities pursuant to existing laws, rules and
regulations.

Section 9. Authentication with Official Seal

All decisions, orders and appropriate legal documents hereinafter

promulgated shall be issued with the official seal of the
Department or the government agencies designated by the
Commission.

RULE XX. SUITS

Section 1. Citizen Suits

The purposes of this section are to:

a) promote the participation of the citizens in the enforcement of

the Act
b) ensure that government officials to take the necessary and
appropriate action to abate and/or control pollution.

The legal actions contemplated under this section of the IRR are
for civil and criminal remedies. The procedure for administrative

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sanctions is discussed under Section 50 and Section 61 of the Act
and IRR, respectively.

Any citizen may file an appropriate civil, criminal or

administrative action in the proper courts/bodies against:

a. Any person who violates or fails to comply with the provisions

of the Act or this rules and regulations; or
b. The Department or other implementing agencies with the
respect to orders, rules and regulations issued inconsistent with
the Act; and/or
c. Any public officer who willfully or grossly neglects the
performance of an act specifically enjoined as a duty by the
Act or this rules and regulations.

Provided, however, that no suit can be filed until after thirty-day

(30) notice has been given to the public officer and the alleged
violator concerned and no appropriate action has been taken
thereon.

Section 2. Suits and Strategic Legal Action Against Public

Participation (SLAPP) and the Enforcement of the Act.

Where a suit is brought against a person who filed an action as

provided in Sec. 52 of the Act, or against any person, institution or
government agency that implements the Act, it shall be the duty of
the investigating prosecutor or the Court, as the case may be, to
immediately make a determination not exceeding thrity (30) days
whether said legal action has been filed to harass, vex, exert undue
pressure or stifle such legal recourses of the person complaining of
or enforcing the provisions of the Act. Upon determination
thereof, evidence warranting the same, the Court shall dismiss the
case and award attorney’s fees and double damages.

This provision shall also apply and benefit public officers who are
sued for acts committed in their official capacity, there being no

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grave abuse of authority, and done in the course of enforcing the
Act.

Section 3. Administrative Sanctions

Local government officials and officials of government agencies

concerned, who fail to comply with and enforce rules and
regulations promulgated relative to the Act shall be charged
administratively in accordance with the Ombudsman Law and RA
7160 and other existing laws , rules and regulations.

Any citizen may file an action. The action shall be filed with the
DILG or the Ombudsman, if related to any LGU, or to any
government agency/employee, respectively.

PART VI. RESEARCH, PUBLIC INFORMATION AND

ACCESS TO RECORDS

RULE XXI. RESEARCH AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

Section 1. Research on Solid Waste Management

The Department, in consultations with the cooperating agencies,

shall encourage, cooperate with and may render financial and other
assistance to appropriate government agencies, academe, private
institutions and individuals in the conduct and promotion of
researches, experiments, and other studies on solid waste
management.

a) The DOH, in coordination with the concerned agencies and

institutions, shall spearhead the study on the adverse health
effects of the unintentional release of by-products of
combustion (e.g., dioxins and furans) and methods to eliminate
said effects. Likewise, the health effects of solid wastes to
scavengers, garbage collectors and other personnel involved in
the solid waste management (SWM) programs shall be looked
into by concerned agencies.

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b) The DENR, in coordination with the concerned agencies and
institutions shall:

1. Spearhead the setting of standards for leachate.

2. Conduct monitoring of the leachate contamination of
ground water and surface water.
3. Chair the panel that will evaluate research proposals on
solid waste management for possible funding.
4. Lead in the benchmarking of researches on solid wastes for
the identification of gaps.
5. Study on factors for success/failure of community-based
waste management initiatives.
6. Pursue improvement in the disposal practices for the solid
wastes including sludge.
7. Undertake researches on economic instruments in solid
waste management.

c) The DOST, in coordination with the concerned agencies and

institutions, shall:

1. Initiate study on the alternative usage of non-recyclable and

non-reusable materials.
2. Develop an environmental technology verification (ETV)
program in the evaluation of technologies prior to its
introduction locally. ETV will serve as basis for verifying
the performance of technology under local conditions.
3. Promote the development of clean technology
(CT)/production (CP) program in industry. Technical
assistance program shall be provided by concerned
agencies to implement CP and CT by the industries.
4. Develop and apply new and improved methods of
collecting and disposing of solid wastes and processing and
recovering materials and energy from solid wastes.
5. Improved utilization of various types of organic materials
as source of fertilizer and biofuels.
6. Conduct of study and development of new uses of
recovered resources.

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d) The DA, in coordination with the concerned agencies and
institutions, shall:

1. Lead in the improvement of composting technology and

make such more affordable to communities at the barangay
levels.
2. Identify/inventory existing markets and demand for
compost.
3. Encourage the composting of agricultural waste, and other
compostable materials including, but not limited to garden
waste.
4. Assist the compost producers to ensure that the compost
products conform to standards.
5. Set standards for organic fertilizers from compost.

e) The DOE, in coordination with the concerned agencies and

institutions, shall:

1. Spearhead landfill extraction and utilization of biogas.

2. Lead in production of usable forms of recovered resources,
including fuels from solid waste.

In carrying out solid waste management related researched and

studies, the Secretary of the Department or the authorized
representative may provide grants or enter into contract with
government agencies, non-government organizations, academe,
private institutions and individuals

The private sector is further encourage to pursue researched in

solid waste management.

Section 2. Environmental Education in the Formal and Non-

formal Sectors

a) The Department of Education (DeptEd), the Technical

Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of

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 Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), and other
concerned government agencies, shall aggressively incorporate
ecological waste management in the school systems at all
levels, emphasizing the involvement of the school
administrators, teaching and non-teaching staff, and studentry
in school-wide and nearby community waste management
actions, and in the strengthening of the waste management
content in the curricula.

b) Such education program shall emphasize, but not be limited to,

the ill-effects of solid wastes relative to human health and the
environment, waste minimization and pollution prevention,
waste segregation (biodegradable and non-biodegradable) and
storage, waste reduction at source, waste recycling/reuse,
composting, different methods of waste management and
economic benefits derived thereat, and other community-based
solutions to the solid waste problem.

c) The education program should also include the provisions of

the prohibited acts, their sanction, and the right of citizens to
file suits.

Section 3. Public Education and Information

a) The Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG)

and its leagues, in coordination with the National Ecology
Center and its local counterparts, shall ensure active education
and public information on waste management of every local
government unit, down to the barangay levels.

b) The local government units, down to the barangay levels, shall

allocate a portion of their funds, to public education and
information activities on ecological waste management
particularly biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes
including, but not limited to, installation of billboards on
collection days for specific waste types, other outdoor
signages, stickers, flyers, conduct of seminars, and other
effective non-traditional information strategies.
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c) The Office of the Press Secretary, the Philippine Information
Agency, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, the
National Press Club, the Philippine Press Institute and the
private sector (particularly the entertainment and advertising
industries), shall allocate regular free air time and print spaces
on waste management matters, in television, radio,
broadsheets, outdoor signages, other telecommunications,
information technologies and non-traditional medial channels.

d) The DILG, through the Philippine National Police, the

Department of National Defense and the Philippine Coast
Guard, shall help enforce compliance to Sections 48 and 49 of
the said prohibited acts of this Law.

e) All government offices, at the national and local levels, within

the executive, legislation and judicial branches, and
government-owned and controlled corporations, shall ensure
information, education and actual implementation of waste
management programs at the workplaces and work premises,
including the pursuit of environment-friendly purchasing
policies for their respective offices.

f) The DENR, other concerned government agencies, educational

associations, non-government organizations, people’s
organizations and the private sector, shall also help implement
various efforts in the education and public information on
waste management.

g) All garbage collection and hauling companies shall also be

directed to install visible signs in their collection and hauling
trucks, describing the waste type they are supposed to collect
(for example, NABUBULOK, NARERESIKLO,
DI NABUBULOK).

h) All garbage collection and hauling companies shall also be

enjoined to employ other possible media approached to ensure
compliance to mandatory waste segregation (for example, use

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 of bell, characteristic music, jingle, slogan, color-coded trucks,
and the like) in their garbage collection vehicles.

i) All institutions in the foregoing provisions are directed to

submit periodic reports to the appropriate local solid waste
management boards. The criteria and mechanisms for the
report and its submission may be specified by the NSWMC.
The report shall thereafter be submitted to the NSWMC
secretariat. Sample copies of education and public information
materials and strategies employed, shall be part of such
submissions.

RULE XXII. ACCESS TO RECORDS

Section 1. Public Access to Records

Any record, report or information obtained by the NSWMC and /or

its secretariat, and their local offices, under the Act and the IRR,
shall be available to the public.

Section 2. Business and Industry Role

The Commission shall encourage commercial and industrial

establishments through appropriate incentives other than tax
incentives:

a) To initiate, participate and invest in integrated ecological solid

waste management projects;
b) To manufacture environmental-friendly products, to introduce,
develop and adopt innovative processes that shall recycle and
re-use materials, conserve raw materials and energy, reduce
waste and prevent pollution; and
c) To undertake community activities to promote and propagate
effective solid waste management practices.

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 PART VII. FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Separability Clause

If any section or provision of these Rules and Regulations is held

or declared unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the
other sections or provisions hereof shall continue to be in force as
if the sections or provisions so annulled or voided had never been
incorporated herein.

Section 2. Repealing Clause

All Rules and Regulations or parts of said rules and regulations of

pertinent laws inconsistent with these Rules and Regulations are
hereby revised, amended, modified and/or superseded as the case
may be by these Rules and Regulations.

Section 3. Amendments

These Rules and Regulations may be amended and/or modified

from time to time by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources.

Section 4. Effectivity

These Implementing Rules and Regulations shall take effect fifteen

(15) days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette or
in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

(Sgd.) HEHERSON T. ALVAREZ

Secretary

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